SANDAKAN – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied reports of political turmoil brewing within Sabah Umno, despite reports of him attending an emergency meeting with party leadership members there.
He said he met with all Sabah Umno divisional chiefs and representatives to provide updates on several party matters, including the party’s machinery structure.
This comes ahead of possible snap polls in Sabah, although the state election is not due until 2025.
“I am here for this event (and to have a meeting with Sabah Umno) and not because there is political turmoil in Sabah,” he said.
“There is no specific term to describe the political situation in Sabah but what is important is there is no political turmoil. The priority is the political stability in Sabah and the welfare of the people.”
Zahid said this to reporters today after attending the Kadamaian Development Ceremony in conjunction with the Christmas Open House at Kadamaian Square, Kota Belud, which was organised by United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko).
Commenting on the potential collaboration between Sabah Umno and Warisan in the coming Sabah polls, Zahid did not provide any clear indication but said that Umno is ready to collaborate with any party.
He said that Umno was ready to work with Upko if the party was open to the idea.
Zahid stressed that at the federal level, the relationship between BN and PH remains intact, underscoring the importance of maintaining a spirit of unity at the state level as well.
“Surely, Upko will be with us if they are willing, and I express hope that we are ready to collaborate with any party, big or small.
“There should not be a movement (differentiating) that this is a local party and that it is a national party,” he said.
“As a nation, we must have an open mind and surely, the people could judge the intentions of the people’s representatives.
“We have to work together, especially in Sabah so that we could represent the people and develop the economy for the prosperity of the people in Sabah.”
He added that Sabah Umno will determine its coalition partner only after the dissolution of the Sabah government.
Zahid clarified that Sabah Umno, in accordance with the party constitution, holds autonomy and possesses the right to select its candidates and chief minister.
However, he stressed the importance of informing the president or chairman of Barisan Nasional (BN) before finalising any decisions.
“So far, Sabah Umno respects this decision and we value all the efforts taken by (Sabah Umno chief) Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin on the grassroots and state levels,” he said.
“I reckon that under the leadership of Bung Moktar assisted by Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan and other leaders, Umno and BN will be there (become state government) again, InsyaAllah, and we will become a dominant party with the support of other parties.”
Also present at the press conference was Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick and Sabah DAP secretary Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.
Presently in Sabah, Umno and PH do not share common ground, as Sabah PH is aligned with the Sabah state government under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). In contrast, Sabah Umno is part of the opposition, alongside Parti Warisan.
This came after Bung Moktar withdrew support for GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as Sabah Chief Minister, early last year.
Yesterday, Zahid told the press in Kuala Lumpur that he would be in Sabah today, after he was asked to comment on the possible tie-up between Sabah Umno and Warisan.
His remarks fueled speculation that his visit was intended to discuss the possibility of this collaboration. – January 8, 2024