Political situation in Sabah is stable, says Ahmad Zahid

KOTA BELUD: There is no political crisis in Sabah Umno, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Umno president said that he met with Sabah Umno leaders as they were preparing for the state elections that could be held anytime soon, before the Sept 2025 dissolution date.

“I am here not because of any political crisis. I am here for this meeting and event,” he told reporters after joining the Kadamaian Christmas and New Year 2024 celebrations on Monday (Jan 8).

He said Sabah would most likely be the first to hold its state elections, and it was not wrong to prepare early.

On a question of who Sabah Umno will be working with, Zahid said they were open to working with any party, big or small, aligned with the unity government’s Madani concept.

However, he said the decision on partnership will only be made after the state assembly is dissolved.

Regarding differing views that Umno and Warisan should work together, he said they were ready to work with any party as long as there is no agenda to differentiate local and national parties.

Zahid said whatever partnership must be for the nation's and Sabah's progress in this context.

He also said that the national relations between Umno and Pakatan Harapan were intact and working well.

In a lighter tone, he said Upko, the sole local party component, “can also be with us”.

When asked if Sabah Umno could decide on its partnership independently, Zahid said the Umno constitution provides autonomy to Sabah Umno to make decisions, including selecting candidates.

“But decisions made have to be informed to the party leadership,” he said.

He complimented Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin for strengthening the party. He was confident that Umno would become a major force again in Sabah with the cooperation of its leaders, including his deputy, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

Earlier in the event, Zahid approved the construction of 40 housing units for the hardcore poor in Kadamaian as requested by its assembly, Datuk Ewon Benedick.

Benedick is also the Cooperatives and Entrepreneur Development Minister.

He said there is already RM224mil allocated for rural roads, which will be a game changer for the people in Kadamaian, a sub-district of Kota Belud.

In his speech, Zahid said it was important for leaders in the country not to make the people pay for political instability.

He said differences in politics in Malaysia should be used to bring good to the people.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was working hard to ensure the stability and prosperity of the country.

Zahid said politicians must stick to their agreements and promises once made and not play up the interest of their own cronies that will directly victimise the people.

“Make Sabah an example where they integrate differences in diversity,” he said.