Former Sabah Umno Youth chief Azman Ruslan said he is putting his future in Umno amid speculation by certain quarters that he might be joining a new political party.

“Yes, I will stay put in Umno for sure. There is no reason to do so (to quit party).

“If we’re talking about fighting for the people’s interest, I think Umno is the best platform, being the backbone of the ruling BN government.

“Joining a new political party simply out of sentimental reasons is not practical, because at the end of the day people will judge which party is more able to run the country,” he said.

In thanking Keningau Umno divisional chief Sairin Karno for appointing him as the new divisional information head, Azman said he would work hard to help strengthen Umno at divisional level as well as giving undivided support to the national, state and divisional Umno leadership.

Azman also agreed with the state government’s stand on the issue of claiming its right from the federal government.

“It’s a sensible approach, bearing in mind that the political situation in Sabah is unique, especially with more than half a million Umno members' presence in the state.

“Umno is now firmly established in Sabah, so I really don’t think that Sabah Umno members will want to betray their struggle with the party,” he said.

- Bernama