Objections grow to leave BN out of new Sabah state government

VARIOUS parties have rejected the participation of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the new Sabah government formed after the 17th State Election (PRN17), last Saturday.

In addition to the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Youth movement, also voicing their objections are the Gagasan Rakyat Women's Movement and the UPKO Youth and Women wings.

In a statement, the Gagasan Rakyat women's wing stressed that there is no need or justification to bring BN into the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Plus Government currently led by Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

"The comfortable majority that has been formed, namely 29 GRS seats, Independents (five), UPKO (three) and one seat each from Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the KDM, plus the support of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) through two seats, GRS Plus shows real political stability and is trusted by the people.

"In fact, the inclusion of six appointed State Assemblymen (ADUNs) further strengthens the existing administration.

"In this context, Wanita Gagasan Rakyat sees the current government composition as stable, strong and representative enough to continue the state's development agenda without the need for any additional parties that the people rejected in the 2017 general election," it said in a statement.

The statement said that the people must be respected and the Sabahans have given a clear message when BN was not given a mandate to return to the state government.

The statement added that any attempt to drag BN in through the back door is considered to be negating the people's decision.

Wanita Gagasan Rakyat also reminded leaders of the 2023 political episode, the steps that undermined the stability of the state, which were also moved by BN at that time.

"The episode should be a lesson so that Sabah is no longer burdened with political games that destroy the people's confidence.

"More ironic, BN previously openly refused to cooperate with GRS, and even launched political attacks on the leadership of the Chief Minister.

"Today, they have come forward with demands to be included in the government. This is not only inappropriate, but also not in line with the wishes of the people of Sabah," it said.

Meanwhile, the UPKO Youth and Wanita Movements view seriously the report on efforts to bring BN to join the Sabah State Cabinet following the formation of the government after the 17th general election.

Through a joint statement with the movement, they believe that the development needs to be carefully refined in the interest of state stability.

"UPKO is of the view that the agreed cooperation structure involving GRS, UPKO, five independent asssemblymen, KDM, PH and STAR is sufficient to form a strong state government". – December 1, 2025