No factions within Sabah Umno, focus is on state polls - Zahid

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi denied allegations of factions within Sabah Umno, particularly among its leaders.

This came following Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin’s absence at the Tuaran Umno division annual general meeting which Zahid officiated earlier in the morning.

Tuaran Umno is led by Sabah Umno deputy chief Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

“There is no division within Sabah Umno; Bung had another programme to attend this morning,” he told reporters after officiating the Sepanggar Umno AGM which Bung and Sepanggar Umno division chief Yakub Khan also attended.

The deputy prime minister said Sabah Umno was now focused on uniting its leadership and strengthening its machinery, especially in preparation for the 17th Sabah state election.

He said it was time for Sabah Umno to abandon conventional election strategies and adopt new methods that can attract support, particularly from young voters.

“If we had implemented this earlier and intensified our efforts, I am confident we could have changed the previously negative perceptions to positive ones... we are focusing on strengthening the Sabah Umno machinery.

Taking soft approach

When asked about Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairperson Hajiji Noor's attendance and their camaraderie at this morning's event, Zahid said the chief minister is an old friend from his time in Usno.

“My principle is that someone's enemy is their enemy, and someone's friend is my friend. Even though we may seem like strange bedfellows, we share a common dream,” he said.

Zahid added that all parties in the government must support the coalition, especially at the national level, and work together to resolve any state-level issues.

“I took a soft approach in Tuaran earlier. My principle is that we want to be friends with everyone. On cooperation for the state election, I will announce the decision when the time comes,” he said.

- Bernama

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