SANDAKAN – Sabah Umno has learned its lessons from its past alliances with other parties and will now be careful in selecting partners for the coming Sabah election, said Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
The state party chairman said the party had been betrayed by its allies several times before, and this had made them more selective, only choosing partners that would respect Sabah Umno’s decisions.
“We must consider partnering with any party that would be advantageous to Umno and with parties that respect our party and the decisions reached together.
“We no longer wish to experience betrayal; we have learned from past lessons and are now prepared and strong enough to face any possibility,” he said when met at the Sabah Umno Tour-Gerak17 event in Sg Manila today.
When asked about a potential Umno-Warisan alliance, Bung Moktar said Sabah Umno had indeed engaged in discussions with the party on a potential collaboration for the coming state polls.
“But ‘discussion’ is not the same as ‘decision’. We need to consider (the factors that determine) which party can bring the most advantages to our party,” he said.
In the 14th general election in 2018, held concurrently with the Sabah state election, Sabah Umno suffered defeat when one of its allies, Upko, withdrew from the coalition just a day after polling day.
Sabah Umno withdrew its support for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition in January 2023, consequently transitioning the party into an opposition role in Sabah.
This shift led to Bung Moktar losing his position as Sabah deputy chief minister.
Meanwhile, Bung Moktar announced the appointment of 25 Barisan Nasional (BN) coordinators across federal seats in Sabah, aiming to streamline the party’s election strategy.
On Sabah Umno’s strength in the state, Bung Moktar said he was currently boosting the party’s machinery at all levels, gearing up to face the Sabah election.
“Although the Sabah election is expected to take place before September next year, typically occurring within a five-year time frame in Sabah, it is important to initiate early preparations. This is essential to ensuring that Umno and BN are thoroughly prepared for the impending state election.
“Considering Sabah’s urgent requirement for improved infrastructure facilities, it is now crucial for Umno-BN leaders to reassure the people.
“If entrusted with the mandate, we pledge to utilise our authority to foster the development of Sabah and vigorously advocate for the interests of the people,” he said. – March 9, 2024