'Stay focused on common goals,' Salleh reminds Sabah Umno leaders

Summary

• Salleh Said Keruak urges party members to focus on common goals amid reports of strained ties between Sabah Umno’s top two leaders.

• The Umno veteran points out that differences of opinion are normal, but what’s important is to discuss them maturely and avoid personal attacks.

• “When we are united, we are stronger,” he adds.

A Sabah Umno veteran has downplayed reported strained ties between the state chapter's top two leaders - Bung Mokhtar Radin and Abdul Rahman Dahlan - ahead of the state polls due this year.

In a Facebook post, Sabah Umno treasurer Salleh Said Keruak said differences of opinion are part and parcel of politics, particularly among Umno leaders.

“Of course, there will be differences in opinion and personality. That's normal in any team.

“What's important is how we manage those differences. Discuss maturely, respect the views of others, and stay focused on common goals,” said the former Sabah chief minister.

Salleh (above) urged members not to let differences become a source of personal attacks or internal conflict.

“Such an attitude only weakens the team,” he stressed.

Tense relations

According to Berita Harian, Salleh's advice is believed to be directed towards Bung and Rahman.

The Malay daily cited previous reports that the tension was sparked after Bung reprimanded Rahman, who had invited Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairperson, to attend the Tuaran Umno division meeting launch last June.

Rahman, who is Tuaran Umno chief, however, defended his right to invite anyone to attend the function.

Berita Harian also reported that tense relations between the two leaders dated back to the 2020 16th Sabah polls, after Rahman objected to Bung’s appointment as BN's state election director.

Ahead of the 17th state election, Rahman reportedly once again objected to any move to forge an alliance with Warisan, despite the latter already declaring that it would contest as a solo entity.

Rein in selfishness, ego

Commenting further, Salleh reminded all to abandon “selfish attitudes” or “excessive ego” as it could damage the team spirit.

“A strong organisation unites on common goals, values everyone's contributions, and builds a sense of belonging within the team.

“Politics is not about who is in power, but how we can unite everyone to achieve common goals.

“When we are united, we are stronger,” said the Usukan assemblyperson.

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