Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today explained that BN joined the Sabah state government led by Hajiji Noor because of practical political realities after last weekend’s state election.
Post-Election Numbers Drove Decision
Zahiji said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah secured only 29 seats, short of a majority, while BN won six seats. Although the two coalitions did not campaign as allies, Zahid stressed that politics demands flexibility to ensure stability in Sabah. He described the decision as unavoidable under the circumstances.
BN Lawmaker Appointed Minister
In the new GRS-led administration, Sukau assemblyman Jafry Ariffin has been named tourism, culture and environment minister.
The move came despite earlier calls from Umno Youth chief Akmal Saleh for Sabah BN to stay in opposition alongside Warisan and Perikatan Nasional. Akmal had urged the coalition to reflect on its worst electoral showing in decades after contesting 45 seats and winning just six.
