Sabah: Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) today announced a restructuring of the coalition's leadership to strengthen its machinery ahead of the next General Election (GE).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah PH chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud stated that the restructuring involved appointing former Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ruji Ubi as the coalition's secretary. "This restructuring is made to leverage the experience of senior figures, especially Datuk Ruji who, as we know, has served as secretary-general in several ministries," said Mustapha. He expressed hope that Ruji could assist in the operational aspects of PH as they prepare for the GE.

Ruji Ubi has an extensive background, having served as secretary-general at the Ministry of National Unity, Ministry of Education, and was PH's candidate for the Merotai state seat in the 17th Sabah State Election. The restructuring also retained Mustapha as Sabah PH chairman, with Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe and Sabah Amanah chairman Datuk Lahirul Latigu continuing as deputy chairmen.

Furthermore, the new committee includes Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin as Sabah PH Information director and Sabah Amanah assistant secretary Irwan Shah Mustapha as treasurer. Positions retained include Datuk Jannie Lasimbang as Sabah PH women's chief, Zaidi Jatil as Youth chief, and Datuk Peto Galim as election director.

Mustapha elaborated that Sabah PH is currently in a phase of strengthening its machinery preparedness at all levels to ensure the coalition's operations are more structured and effective. He mentioned that Sabah PH aims to defend the seats won in the last general election, though this will depend on the party leadership's decisions and negotiations. "Sabah PH is currently in a phase of enhancing its preparedness for the upcoming election, including strengthening the party machinery at all levels," added Mustapha.