KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional (BN) is ready to face the state election at any time, said Sabah BN Chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin.
He said the state BN is always ready at all levels to face a snap election.
He said BN, particularly UMNO, has done the best preparations involving coordination at all levels, covering BN’s core component parties.
“If there is any possibility that the PRN will be held early, or in the middle or end of next year, the machinery of UMNO and BN is always ready,” he said when we met here.
Bung, who is also the Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee Chairman, said this when asked about BN’s preparations for the 17th PRN if it is held earlier than the actual period.
Recently, the Chief Minister, who is also the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, hinted at the possibility of holding the 17th PRN in Sabah as early as next year.
According to Bung, BN is a structured political organisation from the central, state, divisional, and branch levels and expects to not face major problems facing the 17th PRN. It has already been mobilised and only needs to be improved until the PRN date is set.
“Not only that, but at the Voting District Centre (PDM) level, we have also formed, moved, and constantly updated this, including identifying party members, voters, and so on,” he said.
Asked about BN’s focus in the 17th PRN, Bung, who is also the Lamag assemblyman, said that the issues of welfare and the cost of living of the people will continue to be fought for.
“The people are bombarded with the slogan “Sabah Maju Jaya,” but the effects and benefits have not been felt by the people, especially in rural areas where the issues of the main basic infrastructure development, such as clean water supply, electricity, road communication systems, and the increase in the cost of living, have not yet been fully addressed,” he said.
He said the government today is more focused on strengthening the party for the sake of their political survival, thus affecting the focus on developing the state and looking after the welfare of the people.
Regarding cooperation with other parties that want to join forces with UMNO/BN to face the 17th PRN this time, Bung did not rule out the possibility but also reiterated UMNO/BN’s stance that they will only cooperate with parties that respect the agreement signed.
He said that the previous merger process with other parties had taught Sabah UMNO to be mature in establishing cooperation with other parties in the state.
“We will also see friends who have loyalty and sincerity in carrying out their responsibilities as partners to fight for the benefit of the people of Sabah. We don’t want any more internal crises that disrupt efforts to develop Sabah,” he said.
Bung Moktar, who is also the Chairman of the Sabah National Front (BN), said that whoever Sabah UMNO partners with will be a factor of strength and victory for the BN candidate in the next election.
Asked a question that went viral on social media regarding cooperation with the Warisan and KDM parties to face the 17th PRN this time, Bung did not rule out the possibility, but he said it was too early to say so.
“We will wait until the date of the 17th PRN is announced, and as I stated, UMNO/BN will only cooperate with any party that respects the agreement agreed to defend the interests of the people of Sabah.”
“What we are doing today is strengthening all the party machinery.
“Collect issues and information that will be used during the election campaign later,” he said.
