KOTA KINABALU – Sabah Umno is currently focusing on strengthening the party at all levels in the state before considering collaborating with other parties in the upcoming Sabah state elections.
Sabah Umno Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said that while there are parties expressing interest in working together, a decision will only be made after the dissolution of the Sabah Legislative Assembly.
“At the moment, the collaboration with a party for the Sabah state election has not been finalised. Our priority is to strengthen the party. Sabah Umno will hold a series of visits to all divisions in the state from early February.
“Through these visits, we will monitor and assess the strength of the party while addressing current issues with members at the grassroots,” he said in a statement today.
On Monday, it was reported that Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Umno president, said BN would only decide on its allies for the next Sabah state election after the dissolution of the Sabah assembly.
Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah BN chairman, welcomed the cooperation with other coalition parties based on the principle of mutual respect of agreements, which will not only benefit the party but also the people of Sabah as a whole.
“We have learnt a lot from previous party mergers, so this matter will also help Sabah Umno to mature in making important decisions. Currently, it needs to be strengthened,” he added. – January 10, 2024