KOTA KINABALU: Newly appointed Sabah Umno chairman Datuk Jafry Ariffin (pic) says he aims to work above political differences with a focus on the people of the state.
He said he aimed to strengthen the party by working closely with the people to ensure it remains an effective platform.
“I call upon all Umno leaders and members at every level to remain united, strengthen our ranks, and give full support to ensure that Sabah Umno becomes an effective, respected, and relevant political platform in defending the people and supporting the state government,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 10).
Jafry, who is also the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, was named as Sabah Umno chairman replacing the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who passed away on Dec 5 from a brief illness six days after winning his Lamag seat.
Jafry thanked Umno Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for the appointment.
He also congratulated Penampang Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Hasnol Ayub for his appointment as Sabah Umno deputy chairman and Kalabakan Umno chief Samasuddin Yusop as the party’s state secretary.
Jafry previously held the state Umno secretary post, while Hasnol took over the deputy post from Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
Jafry said the main focus of the new Sabah Umno team was to ensure party coordination was carried out more efficiently and to intensify efforts at every level to strengthen ties with the people.
In the just-concluded Sabah election, Sabah Barisan, which won six seats, has become part of the state coalition government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
