Arthur Kurup’s appointment as Sabah BN chairman aims to revitalise the coalition and strengthen ties with the state’s ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah ahead of the 16th general election.
KINABATANGAN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says the appointment of Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup as Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman will inject new momentum into the coalition.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also BN chairman, said the move is a strategic effort to rebrand the coalition at the state level ahead of the 16th General Election.
He said Arthur’s stature as a young federal minister makes him a catalyst for a refreshed Sabah BN leadership.
“The time has come for parties within the BN coalition to work together and foster greater harmony,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters.
He expressed hope that Arthur would work closely with Sabah UMNO to rebrand the state coalition.
Ahmad Zahid said the new chairman can prioritise cooperation with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He stated this would be key in preparing for the coming national polls.
The BN Supreme Council appointed Arthur to the role yesterday.
Datuk Jafry Ariffin was named Sabah BN deputy chairman and Datuk Mohd Hasnol Ayub as state BN secretary.
Ahmad Zahid said negotiations between Sabah BN and Hajiji’s Gabungan Rakyat Sabah should start soon.
This would allow BN and UMNO to defend the parliamentary seats they won in the last election.
“With this strong cooperation, insya-Allah, we will be able to jointly mobilise our machinery,” he said.
The goal is to ensure candidates supporting the Sabah Unity Government win the hearts of voters.
He was speaking after officiating a Santuni Rakyat programme here.
