SANDAKAN: UMNO expanded its presence to Sabah in 1990, not out of whim but due to requests from local party leaders who wanted UMNO to establish itself in Sabah to stabilise politics in the state.
UMNO Vice President Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said Sabah, as part of Malaysia, requires political stability.
“UMNO came to Sabah to work together with the people of Sabah to create political strength, enabling Sabah to be developed,” he said.
Johari said this in his speech when officiating the Kinabatangan UMNO division meeting at the SMJK Tiong Hua hall here on Sunday.
Also present were Kinabatangan UMNO division chief Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin, Kinabatangan UMNO division deputy chief Datuk Jafry Arifin, and UMNO Sabah representative Datuk Suhaimi Haji Nasir.
Johari said that once UMNO established itself in Sabah and became the leader of the state government, the pace of development became significantly more noticeable.
Johari also explained why Umno did not expand its influence to Sarawak, where he believes that local leaders in Sarawak can create political stability.
“Pribumi party leaders in Sarawak can handle well the administration of Sarawak. With the existing political stability, they can plan and implement various development projects that will place Sarawak among the most advanced states in the country,” he said.
In this regard, Johari said that if the people of Sabah expect political stability and progress, Umno has proven that it can change the landscape of political stability and progress in the state before.
“Therefore, in the upcoming 17th state election to create political stability and sustainable development, the people need to support Umno/BN to enable all development plans and projects to continue for the benefit of the people of Sabah,” he said.
Johari stressed that Sabah UMNO remains strong and steadfast in its struggle, despite some leaders who lack principles and loyalty by hopping to other parties, causing UMNO Sabah to almost collapse.
He said that after the 14th General Election, when UMNO/BN faced defeat nationwide, UMNO/BN in Sabah did not lose; UMNO Sabah lost due to the culture of party hopping among some UMNO Sabah leaders who prioritise personal interests, causing UMNO/BN to stumble in Sabah.
“Fortunately, we still have leaders who are principled and loyal to the struggle led by Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin and several others who are ready to face challenges and trials to restore UMNO’s image in Sabah,” he said.