Bung denies split in Sabah Umno, rift with Rahman Dahlan

Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin has denied talk of a split in the state party chapter, despite word that he is at odds with his deputy Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

The Kinabatangan MP told Bernama that the focus of Umno and Sabah BN is to face the state election which could take place at any time.

"There is no division in Sabah Umno. The difference in opinion does exist and we respect each other's difference of opinion but ultimately, Umno has to decide something to be in the government," Bung (above) said.

He added that Sabah Umno will handle the challenges to the party's state leadership so that BN can win big and Umno can become the dominant force in the government after the next Sabah polls.

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

This came following Bung’s absence at the Tuaran Umno division annual general meeting which Zahid officiated.

Rahman leads Tuaran Umno.

Team-up talks

Earlier in the year, Warisan president Shafie Apdal said his party and Sabah Umno are still discussing teaming up in the next state election.

It was reported that Warisan was ready to accept any formula from Sabah Umno, especially in matters concerning the chief minister position if the cooperation between the two parties can be realised in the run-up to the state election.

Questions surrounding the potential candidate for the chief minister position were sparked after Warisan and Sabah Umno gave the impression that they would work together in the next state polls to topple Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

The Sabah assembly term only ends in October 2025, but Hajiji in November last year hinted that state polls might take place earlier than planned.

Sabah Umno withdrew its support for Hajiji’s state government on Jan 5 last year, with Bung losing his position as deputy chief minister.

Several Umno assemblypersons left to join GRS parties while others remained with Umno but continued to support Hajiji’s government.

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