Kota Kinabalu: Both Warisan and Barisan Nasional (BN) are better positioned to serve Sabah as a strong, disciplined opposition bloc following the 17th state election, says Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57) Chairman Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar.
He said the results, which saw Warisan winning 25 seats and Umno–BN only six, clearly placed both parties in a role that allows them to strengthen democratic checks and balances.
“They can be a constructive opposition to scrutinise government policies, defend the people’s interests, question decisions that harm the state and support initiatives that genuinely benefit Sabah,” he said.
He said an effective opposition not only strengthens democracy but also pushes the government toward higher levels of competence and integrity.
Zulkarnain added that the election outcome provided a firm mandate for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to form a stable government under Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who was sworn in as Chief Minister early Sunday.
GRS now leads the administration with a combined 38 seats alongside Upko, Pakatan Harapan and several independents, surpassing the simple majority in the 73-seat assembly.
He reminded the new administration that the people expect every promise made during the campaign to be honoured.
“It is time for the new government to deliver all commitments outlined in the PRN-17 manifesto,” he said. Zulkarnain urged GRS to govern with accountability.
Zulkarnain also reiterated his longstanding view that Umno assemblymen should not be brought into the ruling coalition, recalling how the 2023 “Langkah Kinabalu” episode destabilised the state’s governance.
“That incident should remain a lesson. Sabah’s government must be built on integrity, political loyalty and respect for the people’s mandate,” he said.
With the state expected to roll out the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 development framework, he stressed the importance of a vigilant opposition to ensure transparency, responsible resource management and genuine improvements in living standards.
