KUALA LUMPUR: Political stability is the main priority when forming the new Sabah state government, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
The Barisan chairman emphasised that forming the Sabah Cabinet is fully the prerogative of the Chief Minister, with the consent of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah.
He said this should be considered in light of political realities, not rigid partisan expectations.
"GRS alone did not have enough seats to form the government as they only had 29, while Barisan held six. Through discussions, an agreement was reached even though Barisan and GRS did not contest the election together, as the post-election situation changed," Zahid said after launching the Cyberjaya Conversation Summit 2025.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the unity government formed at the Federal level has shown all parties must accept the new reality of the nation’s political landscape.
"We have a unity government at the Federal level, so to ensure stability, Barisan agreed with GRS to form a unity government in Sabah, joined by other parties, including the five independents originally from GRS and other groups.
"We cannot be rigid. When asked to submit names for appointments, we did so, and the swearing-in took place. This is the political fact. There should be no arrogance because politics is highly pragmatic," he added.
Ahmad Zahid stressed that long-term stability remains the central focus for the well-being of the people.
"Political stability must remain the main focus to ensure the prosperity of the people of Sabah. That is the spirit we have built together," he said.
On Monday (Dec 1), uneasiness grew among GRS assemblymen and Gagasan Rakyat wings, who openly opposed Barisan being part of the Sabah government.
The Sabah election on Nov 29 saw GRS, led by Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, secure 29 seats but fall short of the 37 needed for a simple majority.
Currently, GRS has the support of 44 elected lawmakers, including one from Sabah Pakatan, three from Upko, six from Barisan and five independents.
Earlier today, six nominated assemblymen were appointed into the Sabah government by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman, putting the GRS-led government in a comfortable position with 50 members in the assembly.
In the opposition are Warisan with 25 seats, Sabah STAR with three, and Parti KDM with one.
