Sabah Umno on polls alert after GRS sets sights on its seats

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno emphasizes the need for its grassroots to be constantly prepared for a state election, given the tense relations with the state’s governing Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

According to Sabah Umno election director Jeffery Nor Mohamed, the party anticipates challenges, particularly in light of recent statements made by Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) president Hajiji expressing their readiness to win specific state and parliamentary seats currently held by Umno.

Jeffery stressed that such remarks clearly indicate the growing difficulties in cooperation between GRS and Sabah Umno.

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“At no point have we issued any statement against Gagasan Rakyat, nor have we criticized them officially. This is because we respect the unity government,” he explained.

He further added, “This challenge must be embraced by Sabah Umno, as the statements made by certain Gagasan Rakyat leaders demonstrate the difficulties we face in cooperating with them.”

On Saturday (July 8), Hajiji declared that Gagasan Rakyat had identified the Lamag and Sukau state constituencies as crucial seats to win.

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Currently, Lamag is held by Sabah Barisan-Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, while Sukau is held by Sabah Umno secretary Datuk Jafry Ariffin.

The relationship between Hajiji and Bung Moktar deteriorated following the failed political coup attempt to topple Hajiji in January, although some Barisan elected representatives still align themselves with the Chief Minister.

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Stressing the importance of being prepared, Jeffery stated that Sabah Umno should anticipate any challenges that may arise if a state election is scheduled before the legislative assembly’s term ends in September 2025.

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However, Jeffery assured that Sabah Umno will collaborate closely with parties under the national unity government that sincerely wish to cooperate.

“We simply need to mobilize and activate our election machinery, ensuring that it remains in a constant state of preparedness,” he emphasized.

Credit: The Star : News Feed