SANDAKAN: Sabah UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) have become more prudent in their approach, having learned from their past experience.
They are now taking careful measures before reaching a decision on collaborating with other parties for the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN).
Its leader, Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin, said that the lessons learned from the previous experience serve as a reminder that the contributions and services of UMNO/BN were denied in ensuring the formation of the state government after the 16th PRN due to political interference.
“We take lessons and learn from this incident, even though we were living under the same roof at that time, but foreign elements were like thorns on the side of a drum. This time, we do not want to be betrayed after the negotiations,” he said.
Bung said this after attending the Gerak 17 (Grassroots Tour) of the Sabah UMNO programme for the Sungai Manila state constituency on Sunday.
Also present were Deputy Chairman of Sabah Sabah Liaison Committee, Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Rahman Dahlan; Secretary of Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee, Datuk Jafry Arifin; Sabah UMNO Information Chief, Datuk Suhaimi Nasir; and Sungai Manila State Assemblyman, Datuk Mokran Ingkat.
Bung, who serves as the Kinabatangan Umno division chief, acknowledged that discussions have taken place (without specifying the party involved), but no decision has been reached on their end.
“Discussing and deciding are distinct actions. We seek a party that can provide benefits and whose leaders respect our party and the collective decision,” he emphasised.
Bung Moktar, also the Member of Parliament for Kinabatangan and the State Assemblyman for Lamag, highlighted that Umno/BN Sabah will collaborate with a party that upholds mutual agreements.
“We will consider partners who demonstrate loyalty and sincerity in fulfilling their duties as allies in the fight for the well-being of the people of Sabah. We aim to avoid internal crises that hinder Sabah’s development,” he concluded.
