Sabah Umno seeking broad-based political cooperation for state polls

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno is looking at broad-based cooperation with other parties, including Warisan, for the next state polls, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

"We are not only discussing with one party but with various parties that are ready to work with us to contest in the next election," said the Sabah Umno chief.

He said that it was important to work with different parties, whether big or small, to ensure that they win seats in the state assembly.

"It is about how many seats can be won (in the 73-member assembly). Even if the party is small, if they can contribute seats for the formation of the government, we can work with them," he said.

He confirmed several meetings had been held with Warisan, which is led by Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, to discuss electoral cooperation for the 17th state election.

He said the discussions for cooperation have been positive.

"We have also held discussions with our friends in Barisan Nasional to ensure we can win or defend every seat in non-bumiputra Muslim areas," he said during a breaking of fast ceremony for Umno's Papar, Kimanis, Beaufort and Sipitang divisions.

Bung said that he would hold more detailed discussions with coalition partners in Sabah Barisan to determine the number of seats to be contested.

Bung, who is Kinabatangan MP, said that Sabah Barisan would unveil its plans for "true" development of the state soon.

"I do not believe that this infrastructure problem in Sabah cannot be solved. Governments have changed but the people still do not have the facilities they want.

"Give us the mandate... we will make sure that Sabah is on the right track towards real progress, not rhetoric," he added.