Be ready for early state polls, Bung Moktar reminds Sabah Barisan

Sabah Barisan Nasional has received a call to enhance their operations in preparation for early state elections. Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, the state Barisan and Umno chairman, emphasized the need to be ready for the upcoming 17th state election, even if it is scheduled to take place only in October 2025. He stressed the importance of being prepared at all times, as there is not much time left for the preparations.

Bung Moktar stressed the possibility of the state polls happening before the scheduled time, and therefore urged Sabah Barisan members to avoid last-minute preparations. He reminded them to always be ready and emphasized the importance of being well-prepared for the early elections.

Addressing the issue at a weekend event in Kinabatangan, Bung Moktar called upon all Umno members, particularly those in Kinabatangan, to devise strategies, including countering political rivals on social media. He highlighted the intensity of the online war being waged against Sabah Barisan-Umno and emphasized the importance of championing the people’s issues.

Bung Moktar urged members to not lose faith and to continue fighting off the onslaught by cyber troopers with facts. He acknowledged the control that political rivals have over social media through online portals and emphasized the need to challenge their accusations and lies to prevent negative perceptions among readers.

Sabah Umno was previously part of the state administration after the September 2020 state election but became the opposition following a failed attempt last January to unseat Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who leads the seven-party Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). There are indications that Sabah Barisan might team up with Parti Warisan to take on GRS in the next state polls. Hajiji recently mentioned the possibility of early elections, despite GRS having two more years in power, but the timing remains uncertain.