ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is stepping into his second term as Chief Minister with the delicate task of shaping a Cabinet that reflects both political reality and a renewed mandate. Sworn in during the early hours of yesterday, Hajiji now faces the challenge of balancing experience, coalition expectations, and the fresh faces brought in by the GRS–Pakatan Harapan alliance.
This time, inclusivity appears to be at the heart of his strategy. With Upko, Parti KDM and at least five Independents throwing their support behind him, Hajiji is expected to craft an 11-member Cabinet that brings these partners into the fold. Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick has already confirmed his party’s backing, after securing three seats. The single-seat Parti KDM is also believed to have aligned itself with GRS, boosting the coalition’s strength to 39 seats in the 73-seat assembly.
In the days ahead, Hajiji is also expected to propose six nominated assemblymen to Governor Tun Musa Aman. Their appointment would further solidify the coalition’s position, giving GRS a comfortable 45 seats in an expanded 79-member assembly. Names are already circulating. Among those tipped for Cabinet positions are Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, and Gagasan Rakyat vice-presidents Datuk Mohd Ariffin Arif and Datuk James Ratib. With PBS having won six seats under the GRS banner, the party may also secure an additional ministerial role.
Still, not every familiar face will return. Former state ministers Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe of Sabah DAP and Datuk Ellron Angin were defeated in the election. Yet new possibilities are emerging. PKR’s sole winner Datuk Jamawi Jaafar in Melalap and Parti KDM’s Datuk Rusdin Riman in Paginatan are reportedly being considered for some of the 18 assistant minister positions.
Sabah Barisan Nasional, led by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, remains undecided. Its six assemblymen have not revealed whether they will align with the new GRS government. Some party insiders even suggest they might prefer to stay in the opposition. GRS itself secured a strong showing, winning 29 seats—23 from Gagasan Rakyat and six from PBS. Pakatan Harapan, however, saw a difficult night, winning just one of the 12 seats it contested, while all eight Sabah DAP candidates were defeated. Warisan, under Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, won 25 seats, and Sabah STAR claimed two. Parti KDM contested in 40 constituencies, while Sabah PAS won its first-ever seat in the state by taking Karambunai.
Attention is also turning to Datuk Ben Chong Chen Bin, the coalition’s only Chinese assemblyman, who won in Tanjong Kapor. Sources say Chong, 47, a former Warisan leader, is being considered for a key portfolio—either Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, or Tourism, Culture and Environment. However, questions remain about seniority, as both roles are full minister positions. Still, as one source noted, appointing him could send a strong signal of inclusivity in Hajiji’s new Cabinet.
