KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional members in Sabah must not fall for a 'second betrayal' in the upcoming 17th Sabah state election (PRN17), says its chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, reminded all party members to remain united to help Barisan achieve victory in the election.
"Once is enough. Let's not be fooled a second time. Umno and Barisan in Sabah must be wiser this time in making our choices. Datuk Seri Bung, don't let them trick you again," he said, referring to the defection of several assemblymen in early 2023.
Speaking at the launch of the Gerak17 programme for the Kemabong state seat (N.43) at Dewan Sri Ontoros Kemabong, Tenom, today, Ahmad Zahid said from past experience, Sabah Barisan must learn to set aside their differences and avoid internal division.
"With leaders like Datuk Rahman Dahlan (Sabah Umno deputy chairman) supporting Datuk Seri Bung, I believe that if everyone stands united, Sabah can work together with Putrajaya," he said.
Sabah Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, along with other Barisan state and federal leaders, were also present at the event.
Ahmad Zahid’s remarks referred to the five Barisan assemblymen who left the party on Feb 21, 2023, declaring their support for Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and joining Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah.
They are Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin), Datuk Jasnih Daya (Pantai Dalit), Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (Tempasuk), Datuk Hamid Awang (Balung), and Datuk James Ratib (Sugut).
Additionally, four Barisan assemblymen remain in the state government, holding positions in the state cabinet: Deputy Chief Minister III and Sabah Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (Tanjung Keramat), Assistant Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Datuk Harun Durabi (Bengkoka), Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy (Tanjong Batu), as well as the late Datuk Mohd Hamsan Awang Supain (Sungai Sibuga), who held the position of Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister until his passing on Jan 19.
The Sungai Sibuga seat has remained vacant since.
Of the 73 seats in the Sabah State Assembly, Barisan initially won 16 in the 16th general election, but now holds only 12, including three members in the state government.
