Umno's decisive struggle to regain control over Sabah's political landscape labeled as its "last battle" by Bung in the polls
In the political landscape of Sabah, the upcoming 17th state election is shaping up to be a significant battle for Barisan Nasional (BN), as stated by Umno's Sabah chief, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. At a media gathering in Kota Kinabalu last night, Bung Moktar urged Umno leaders and members to seize the opportunity for BN to return to power and shed its role as the Opposition.
Bung Moktar himself will defend his Lamag state seat in the upcoming election. However, he has turned down an offer from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to work with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). The exact status of negotiations between BN and GRS regarding seat distribution for the upcoming elections remains undisclosed.
Umno intends to contest all its traditional seats, including those lent to other parties in the 2020 state election. The party finds the offer of only eight seats unacceptable, and disputes over seat allocation with GRS persist, with GRS attempting to claim seats previously held by Umno members who defected to other parties.
Bung Moktar believes Umno is unique and strong because when one leader leaves, 20 can step up to take their place. He argues that unlike smaller local parties, Umno's strength lies in its ability to endure leadership changes.
The election is expected to be complicated due to a crowded field of parties and coalitions, as well as fraught seat negotiations. Umno and PH are aiming to contest around 40 constituencies in the upcoming election through cooperation. One such seat in dispute is Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya's seat in Tanjung Keramat, as well as Tempasuk and other seats.
According to Bung Moktar, Parti Warisan would likely collapse without its current leader, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal. STAR (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku) depends on Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, and PGRS (Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah) depends on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Despite the challenges, Bung Moktar sees a very good chance for Umno and BN in the upcoming state election. He described the election as the "final battle" for BN to regain the state government. The exact date for the 17th state election has yet to be announced.
These statements were reported by the national daily Berita Harian. The ongoing negotiations between BN and GRS, and the future of Sabah's political landscape, continue to unfold.
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