KUALA LUMPUR — Datuk Jafry Ariffin has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Umno Sabah Liaison Committee, replacing the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dasuki said that the appointment, approved by Umno party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi, comes in accordance with Article 12.5 of Umno’s Constitution and aims to ensure the continued smooth functioning of the party in Sabah.
In addition to Datuk Jafry, Datuk Mohd Hasnol Ayub has been named Deputy Chairman, and Tuan Haji Samasuddin bin Yusop will serve as Secretary.
The new leadership team is expected to play a crucial role in reinforcing Umno’s structure and operations in Sabah, ensuring that the party’s activities remain well-coordinated and effective, Asyraf noted.
Umno has called for full support from all party members and leadership for the new team, as they work to continue serving the people of Sabah and uphold the state government.
The leadership change follows the recent passing of Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin on December 5, who had held both the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and the Lamag state seat.
His death has led to a significant gap in both national and state politics, especially within Umno in Sabah.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission (EC) yesterday announced that a special meeting will be convened on December 16 to finalise the dates for by-elections in Kinabatangan and Lamag, which were left vacant by Bung Moktar’s passing.
Formal notifications of the vacancies were received by the EC from Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul on December 8, and from Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Panglima Kadzim M Yahya on December 9.
Under the Federal Constitution’s Article 54(1) and the Sabah State Constitution’s Article 21(5), by-elections must be held within 60 days of a seat being declared vacant.
The special meeting, chaired by EC Chairman Datuk Sri Ramlan Harun, will determine the election timeline, including the issuance of the election writ, nomination day, polling day, and finalisation of the electoral roll. A press conference will be held afterward to provide further details. – December 10, 2025