Zahid: BN joined unity govt to ensure functional governance
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional’s participation in the unity government in Sabah is to ensure there is political stability in the state, says coalition chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
He said this must be viewed through the lens of political realities rather than rigid partisan expectations.
Ahmad Zahid pointed out that the appointment of the Sabah Cabinet lies fully with the prerogative of the Chief Minister, with the consent of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.
“Gabungan Rakyat Sabah 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, the post-election situation changed,” he told reporters after launching the Cyberjaya Conversation Summit 2025.
Ahmad Zahid said the unity government formed at the federal level had shown that all parties must accept the new reality of the nation’s political landscape.
“We have a unity government at the federal level, then in the spirit of ensuring stability, Barisan agreed with GRS to begin forming a unity government in Sabah, joined by five Independents and other groups.
“We cannot be rigid. When we were 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 are highly pragmatic,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid said the priority now was to ensure long-term stability 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.
Following the outcome of the Nov 29 polls, several GRS assemblymen and Gagasan Rakyat wings had made known their opposition towards Barisan being part of the Sabah government.
The Sabah election saw GRS, led by Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, winning the most number of seats at 29, but could not claim the 37-seat simple majority to form the state government.
GRS currently has the support of 44 elected lawmakers, including from one from Sabah Pakatan Harapan, three from Upko, six from Barisan and five Independents. One Barisan assemblyman – state Umno secretary Datuk Jafry Ariffin – was named Sabah Tourism Culture and Environment Minister.
On another matter, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said he will discuss with Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar following the order by the state to Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) to vacate several plantations.
“We can discuss the matter. I was given the responsibility to address and resolve this issue faced by Felda, even though the agency is placed under the Prime Minister’s Department.
“What is important is the interests of the settlers,” said Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister.
On Dec 2, Felda and its commercial arm FGV Holdings Bhd stated that they had been issued an order by Terengganu government to vacate oil palm plantation land, warning it could impact operations and national output.
FGV, one of the world’s largest palm oil producers, said a notice has been issued to vacate and demolish building structures and destroy crops in Terengganu within three days, describing that as an extremely tight timeline.
On Nov 30, media reported of a trespass notice having been issued to FGV and Felda to remove assets from 10 plantations covering 15,000ha in the state and that the notice stemmed from a protracted disagreement about profit sharing.
