KOTA KINABALU: Independent assemblyman Jordan Jude Ellron has urged all parties to “move on” and focus on the broader challenges facing Sabah, following concerns over Barisan Nasional’s (BN) inclusion in the newly announced state cabinet line-up.
Jordan, 27, the youngest elected representative in the State Legislative Assembly, said independents had initially questioned why BN assemblymen were appointed to the cabinet but later agreed it was more important to prioritise stability and the public interest.
“As independents, there were no issues. We were initially just complaining about why BN‘s representatives are in the cabinet line-up.
“But as an independent and also the youngest assemblyman, I tend to move on very fast. There’s no point fighting. Why don’t we just look forward for the good of the people?” he said.
Jordan was among five independents and several Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) assemblymen seen in a viral picture of them meeting after the swearing-in of new cabinet ministers at Istana Seri Kinabalu.
Following the swearing-in of BN’s Sukau assemblyman Datuk Jafry Ariffin as Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, there was statewide public sentiment against GRS for including the peninsula-based party in the new government.
Prior to the election and throughout the campaign period, GRS had repeatedly stated that the coalition would never work with BN.
Sabah BN chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin had also expressed a similar stance, saying the party had no intention of working with the Sabah-based coalition.
The Tulid assemblyman said they had also met Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who explained BN’s participation shortly after the photo went viral.
“After the picture went viral, we met the Chief Minister. Yes, he explained it. I can accept it.
“The election fight is over. The past has already happened. You cannot change anything. If we keep looking at the past, we will never move forward,” he said, adding that the broader focus now should be on Sabah’s long-term agenda, including proposed constitutional amendments.
Jordan, whose father Datuk Ellron Angin was a former cabinet minister under GRS, said BN assemblymen should not be dismissed simply because of party affiliation.
“I know people don’t like the BN party, but whatever it is, the six assemblymen were also elected by their people.
“I believe the BN assemblymen also want good things for Sabah, not something bad,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
