Arthur’s Appointment To Inject New Momentum Into Sabah BN Ahead of GE16 - Ahmad Zahid

KINABATANGAN, Jan 22 (Bernama) -- The appointment of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup as Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman is expected to inject more pragmatic momentum, particularly in efforts to rebrand the coalition at the state level.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the appointment also forms part of a strategic move to ensure the Sabah BN leadership drives significant changes in preparation for the 16th General Election (GE16).

He said the decision was made in view of Arthur’s stature as a young leader who holds a key position at the federal level, namely as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, which he believes can serve as a catalyst for a more refreshed and coordinated Sabah BN leadership.

“The time has come for parties within the BN coalition to work together and foster greater harmony, and we must demonstrate a new approach in the leadership of Sabah BN. I sincerely hope Datuk Seri Arthur can work closely with the Sabah UMNO leadership to rebrand BN in the state,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also UMNO president.

“In addition, he can act as a game changer in BN’s leadership by prioritising several key areas, particularly in forging cooperation with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in preparation for the GE16,” he told reporters here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said this at a press conference after officiating the Santuni Rakyat programme co-organised by the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (FELCRA), the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) and the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) at Dataran Kinabatangan here.

Yesterday, the BN Supreme Council meeting decided to appoint Arthur as the new Sabah BN chairman, Datuk Jafry Ariffin as the Sabah BN deputy chairman, and Datuk Mohd Hasnol Ayub as the state BN secretary.

Commenting further, Ahmad Zahid said that negotiations and discussions between Sabah BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor should begin as early as possible to enable BN and UMNO to defend the parliamentary seats they won in the 15th General Election (GE15).

“With this strong cooperation, insya-Allah, we will be able to jointly mobilise our machinery to ensure that candidates and parties supporting the Sabah Unity Government secure a place in the hearts of voters in Sabah,” he said.

-- BERNAMA