Kuala Lampur, Dec. 1 -- KOTA KINABALU, Dec 1 - The chief minister's decision to bring Barisan Nasional (BN) into the state government has sparked grassroots objections, with several party wings arguing that Sabah voters had given a mandate for local parties to lead.

Multiple component wings from Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) and Upkoissued strong statements today rejecting BN's inclusion in the new Cabinet lineup.

Their objections come despite BN's performance in the recently concluded state election and its earlier public stance against cooperating with GRS. BN won six of the 45 seats it contested.

Sabah Umno secretary Datuk Jafry Arifin was today named the new Tourism, Culture and Environment minister - a portfolio he previously ...