Kuala lumpur: Sukau assemblyman Datuk Jafry Ariffin has been appointed as the new chairman of the Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee. UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced that Jafry, who also serves as Sabah's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, was appointed with the agreement of UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, in line with Clause 12.5 of the UMNO Constitution.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Asyraf also revealed the appointments of UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Mohd Hasnol Ayub as the party's deputy chairman and Kalabakan UMNO division chief Samasuddin Yusop as the party secretary for Sabah. These appointments aim to ensure the continuity of administration, enhance party coordination, and organise UMNO's work in Sabah more effectively.

UMNO has urged all party leaders and members to fully support the new leadership to continue serving the people and backing the Sabah government. The former Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee chairman, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, passed away at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu last Friday.

In a separate statement, Jafry expressed gratitude to Ahmad Zahid for entrusting him with the new leadership role. He stated that the main focus would be on improving party coordination, intensifying grassroots work, and strengthening public engagement. Jafry emphasized that, in the current political climate, the priority is to enhance administration and build a Sabah that goes beyond political differences for the benefit of the people and the state's future.