KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s next state election is not due until 2025 but members of the state Umno have been told to prepare for it “like it’s tomorrow”.
Issuing the call, Sabah Umno election director Jeffery Noor Mohmed said the state's divisions and branches must brace themselves, adding that only hard work can lead them closer to victory.
He also reminded members of Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s mantra of “if you want to win, work the way of people who want to win.”
“Let's not think that the state polls, or even general election, is a long way off and thus take it easy - there is no room for such a mentality,” said Jeffery.
“Right now, we must think like the election is tomorrow,” he added after an engagement session with the Sabah Umno election department and the Lahad Datu Umno divisional leadership recently.
Also present were Lahad Datu Umno division chief Sharif Musa Sharif Mabul, and his deputy Datuk Saleha Wahid, among others.
According to Jeffery, who is also the Putatan Umno division chief, it was important to put the party first whatever the situation as Umno-Barisan Nasional gears up for the state election.
"In the past year, we have done many things but now is the last turn (before the election) where we have to strengthen our spirit, close ranks and put aside our differences following the party polls,” he said.
He added that things were somewhat complicated for Sabah Umno as while it was part of the federal unity government, the party was also considered an Opposition party in the state.
Towards this end, Jeffery wants the party machinery to be streamlined besides intensifying membership registration drives.
“All forms of programmes to reach the grassroots need to be activated, it doesn’t need to be on a large scale.
“It is important that Umno is always with the people in times of joy and sorrow," he said.
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