KOTA KINABALU: Former Sabah Umno Youth leaders, some of whom are now in other parties, should put aside their differences for the sake of state, says Datuk Bung Moktar Radin.
The Sabah Umno chief called on the political veterans, from when Umno spread its wings to Sabah in 1991, to unite under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition.
Bung, who is Deputy Chief Minister in the GRS government led by Sabah Bersatu chief Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, said these leaders should contribute towards the development of the state.
“This is the time for us to develop the state with the government having the clear direction to deliver the GRS election manifesto, ” said Bung, who attended a gathering with the former Umno Youth leaders.
Bung said Umno Youth leaders in the early days were better positioned to meet the needs of Sabahans.
“If we all unite including our former Umno Youth leaders and keep our respective political differences aside, our state can see progress through the professional contribution of ideas for policies as well as constructive criticism, ” he said during the reunion gathering here on Thursday.
Notwithstanding the political fissures between Umno and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia in the peninsula, Bung has been moving to strengthen ties with the party in Sabah.
“Let’s look forward for the benefit of Sabah, ” he said, adding that the GRS government was focused on the development of the state.
Bung previously said Sabah Umno’s stand was to defend the GRS government that won the state on Sept 26 last year.
Sabah Barisan Nasional (comprising Sabah Umno, Sabah MCA and PBRS), Sabah Perikatan (comprising Sabah Bersatu, Sabah STAR, Sabah Progressive Party and PAS) with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) make up the GRS state coalition.
With Umno set to decide its position within the Perikatan Nasional-led Federal Government later this month, questions about Umno’s position in GRS have arisen.
Bung has maintained that Sabah Umno’s stand was to stick with GRS.
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