New Umno Sabah chairman pledges to strengthen party unity

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 10): Newly appointed Umno Sabah’s liaison committee chairman, Datuk Jafry Ariffin, has pledged to strengthen party unity and enhance grassroots engagement following the announcement of the state’s new leadership line-up.

In a statement on Wednesday, Jafry expressed deep appreciation to Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for the trust and mandate given to him and the new leadership team.

“I would like to record my highest appreciation to the Umno President, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, for the confidence and trust placed in us through the appointment of the new leadership of the Umno Sabah Liaison Committee,” the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister said.

Describing the appointment as a “great responsibility,” Jafry who is Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah’s sole representative in the state cabinet, said the team is determined to shoulder the mandate with unity and commitment to strengthening the party’s position in Sabah.

He also congratulated Datuk Mohd Hasnol Haji Ayub and Samasuddin Yusop on their respective appointments.

“Our main focus is to ensure better party coordination, intensify our work at all levels, and strengthen our engagement with the people through Umno’s role as a party committed to championing the interests of Sabah,” he added.

Jafry noted that in today’s political landscape, it is crucial to prioritise good governance and work together to build Sabah beyond political differences for the benefit of the rakyat and the state’s future.

“I call on all Umno leaders and members at every level to remain united, strengthen our ranks, and provide solid support to ensure Umno Sabah continues to be an effective, respected and relevant political platform that protects the people and supports the state government,” he said.

“With strong commitment and cooperation from all parties, Umno Sabah will continue moving forward as a strong, stable party and the people’s choice,” Jafry said.

Jafry who is Sukau assemblyman, was appointed as the new chairman of the  Umno Sabah Liaison Committee on Wednesday.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the appointment of Jafry was agreed to by the Umno president in accordance with Clause 12.5 of the Umno Constitution.

Asyraf also announced the appointment of Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Hasnol Ayub as the party’s deputy chairman and Kalabakan Umno division chief Samasuddin Yusop as party secretary for Sabah.

“These appointments are to ensure the continuity of administration, strengthen party coordination, and organise Umno’s work in Sabah in a more structured and effective manner.

“Umno calls upon all party leaders and members to give their full support to this new leadership to ensure we can continue to serve the people and support the Sabah government,” he said.

The former Umno Sabah Liaison Committee chairman, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, passed away at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu last Friday.