BN backs Hajiji and pledges cooperation, CM's party says no
Published: Dec 1, 2025 2:18 PM
Updated: 6:01 PM
Summary
- BN has formally endorsed Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor's leadership and offered to support the new state government, despite past enmity.
- Hajiji's party Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, however, rejected BN's inclusion in the GRS Plus government, citing that voters had rejected BN and that the coalition already holds a comfortable majority.
BN appears to have put its past tensions with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) behind it, formally endorsing the leadership of Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.
BN secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir said the 17th Sabah polls had reflected a mature democratic process, adding that BN accepts the people’s decision “with an open heart and with full respect for their voice and mandate”.
“In line with the statement issued by BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Nov 29, BN stands ready to cooperate with and support the formation of the new state government under Hajiji’s leadership.
“This cooperation is expressed to ensure that Sabah remains on a path of stability, prosperity, and continued development for the benefit of its people,” he said in a statement today.
BN won six seats in the crowded contest for the 73 state assembly seats, while GRS secured 29. Warisan came in second with 25 seats.
Ties between BN and GRS soured after Sabah BN withdrew its support for Hajiji’s government in 2023.
At the time, Sabah BN chief Bung Moktar Radin accused Hajiji of breaching an understanding under which the coalition would back his leadership in exchange for positions in the state cabinet and government-linked companies.
Sabah BN chief Bung Moktar Radin (left)
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Pakatan Harapan chief, during a visit to Sabah in August, had alluded to the “love triangle” and expressed hope to avert electoral clashes between BN and GRS.
Sabah Umno had previously been accorded autonomy on candidate selection and election strategy.
So far, Bung has remained silent after the conclusion of Saturday’s polls, including on any decision to endorse Hajiji’s administration.
Hajiji's party rejects BN
However, in a statement issued shortly after BN’s, Hajiji’s party, Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan), rejected BN’s inclusion in the GRS Plus state government.
Its youth wing said that GRS Plus has already secured a comfortable majority to form the state administration, with a composition involving GRS (29 seats), independents (five), Upko (three), Harapan (one), and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (one), in addition to receiving support from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) with two seats.
"The government’s position will be further strengthened through the appointment of six nominated assemblypersons, thereby ensuring stability in the administration of the state assembly.
"The composition of the honourable members in the GRS Plus government is strong, stable, and sufficient to continue the state’s development agenda without requiring any additional involvement from parties that the people have already rejected.
"The voters’ decision must be respected. The people of Sabah have sent a clear message by rejecting BN from being part of the state government, and any attempt to deny this mandate should be deemed improper," the statement read.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Pakatan Harapan chief, during a visit to Sabah in August, had alluded to the “love triangle” and expressed hope to avert electoral clashes between BN and GRS.
Sabah Umno had previously been accorded autonomy on candidate selection and election strategy.
So far, Bung has remained silent after the conclusion of Saturday’s polls, including on any decision to endorse Hajiji’s administration.
Hajiji's party rejects BN
However, in a statement issued shortly after BN’s, Hajiji’s party, Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan), rejected BN’s inclusion in the GRS Plus state government.
Its youth wing said that GRS Plus has already secured a comfortable majority to form the state administration, with a composition involving GRS (29 seats), independents (five), Upko (three), Harapan (one), and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (one), in addition to receiving support from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) with two seats.
"The government’s position will be further strengthened through the appointment of six nominated assemblypersons, thereby ensuring stability in the administration of the state assembly.
"The composition of the honourable members in the GRS Plus government is strong, stable, and sufficient to continue the state’s development agenda without requiring any additional involvement from parties that the people have already rejected.
"The voters’ decision must be respected. The people of Sabah have sent a clear message by rejecting BN from being part of the state government, and any attempt to deny this mandate should be deemed improper," the statement read.
Gagasan’s youth wing added that past experiences must serve as lessons, recalling the political disruptions of 2023 in which BN played a role.
It cautioned that such events should not be repeated, as BN had at that time undermined political stability and public confidence.
It also accused BN of having "launched extraordinary political attacks against GRS" and the leadership of Hajjii, who was also the chief minister then.
"Therefore, it is inappropriate for them to now seek inclusion in the government despite their earlier stance," it added.
DAP opting out
In a Facebook post, Sabah DAP chief Phoong Jin Zhe said he would not be accepting any state government roles, after DAP suffered a complete wipeout in all eight seats it contested.
Sabah DAP chief Phoong Jin Zhe
"But I will continue moving forward, continue serving and working on the ground, and earn back the trust of the people.
“Never give up. Stay determined. Keep kindness in our hearts, and always do our very best," Phoong wrote.
"But I will continue moving forward, continue serving and working on the ground, and earn back the trust of the people.
“Never give up. Stay determined. Keep kindness in our hearts, and always do our very best," Phoong wrote.
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