KOTA KINABALU: UMNO needs to reassess its role and prioritise collaboration in Sabah to prevent further fragmentation of support, stated former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
He pointed out that support in the state is currently divided among various parties, including the United Malays National Organisation, Warisan, and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS).
“If these parties persist in competing against each other, the votes will be divided, and ultimately, everyone will suffer losses.
“Therefore, cooperation and strategic planning are essential,” Salleh remarked.
The Sabah UMNO Treasurer emphasised that UMNO’s future hinges on its capacity to evolve.
“By acknowledging the current reality and modifying its approach, the party can maintain its relevance,” he said.
Salleh noted that UMNO’s entry into Sabah was at the behest of the late Tun Mustapha Harun, who was then the president of the United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), with the aim of unifying a fragmented Bumiputera Muslim community.
“That goal was successfully met for an extended period. However, circumstances have shifted,” he stated.
In addition, Salleh characterized the remarks made by UMNO vice president Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani as accurate and timely.
“UMNO is no longer as robust as it once was. With merely 26 parliamentary seats and not at the helm of the federal government, the party must come to terms with its present status,” he added.
