Kota Kinabalu: Dissatisfaction is brewing over the surprise inclusion of a Barisan Nasional (BN) representative in the new State Cabinet by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor when the line-up was announced, Monday.
It is understood that at least a dozen Gabungan Rakyat Sabah elected representatives met at a hotel here to decide on the next course of action.
However, most of the GRS assemblymen are said to be still firmly behind Hajiji.
“There were just discussions about Barisan being part of the state government, but it’s a small matter which can be resolved,” said GRS’s Klias Assemblyman, Isnin Aliasnih.
“We firmly back the chief minister. Even the independents are with us. There is nothing developing … the situation is under control.”
A GRS insider told FMT that BN was included in the Cabinet to prevent Hajiji’s administration from collapsing less than two days after his swearing-in.
Component wings from Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) and Upko earlier also voiced their objection over the inclusion of Sabah Umno Secretary Datuk Jafry Arifin as the new State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister in the list (see separate story below).
Jafry held the post from 2020 to 2022 when he was forced to resign over his involvement in the attempt with Parti Warisan to unseat Hajiji in the “Langkah Kinabalu” move.
The anti-hop law prevents elected representatives from transferring support elsewhere individually.
But sources say it may leave the coalition vulnerable as they may remain members but refuse to cooperate or align with the party’s interests.
The BN had earlier publicly said they are against cooperating with GRS. BN won only six of the 45 seats it contested.
Earlier, Hajiji said he is confident that the newly-appointed Cabinet members possess the experience and ability to drive the State towards greater progress and achievements.
He said they must ensure the continuity of development programmes under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development plan.
He also congratulated all new ministers and reminded that the responsibilities they carry are significant and must be carried out with full dedication and integrity.
“I hope you all will carry out your duties with unwavering dedication. Serve the people of Sabah regardless of their background,” he said in a statement, which was read out by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jaochim Gunsalam, at the Chief Minister’s official Sri Gaya residence. It was learnt that Hajiji was recovering from a short illness.
Joachim confirmed that the newly-formed Sabah Government is a Unity Government, and that BN is officially involved in the new State Government, while Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) has yet to confirm its participation.
“It’s a bit like (the) Unity Government… BN is among those who support officially. Yes, it’s official, Star has yet to do so,” he added.
Joachim, who is acting Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President, is among the three Deputy Chief Ministers in the newly formed Sabah Cabinet.
The two other Deputy Chief Ministers are Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Secretary-General Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Joachim, Masidi and Ewon took their oaths together with seven other Ministers before Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman.
Those sworn in were seven Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) assemblymen and one assemblyman from United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) each.
GRS, led by Hajiji, won 29 seats, ahead of Warisan’s 25 seats, while BN won six seats, Independents (five) Pakatan Harapan (one), Perikatan Nasional (one), Upko (three), Star (two) and KDM (one) in the recently-concluded Nov 29 Sabah election.
