Sabah BN affirms support for unity government ahead of state convention

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional will continue to support and strengthen the federal unity government amid attempts to shake the current Sabah government, says State Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (pic).

He said they were committed to ensuring that the unity government completes its five-year term and would work hard to ensure the smooth implementation of policies and programmes for the people.

“There are certain sentiments of ‘rejecting peninsula-based political parties’ here, and this can cause disunity within the current unity government, but Umno and Barisan in Sabah will fight hard to protect this government,” he said.

Bung said although Sabah Barisan’s contributions to the state have been denied, it does not stop them from wanting to develop the state and its people.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's scheduled visit to Sandakan district this Sunday (July 21) to attend the Sabah Barisan convention is one reason they are confident about facing political challenges ahead.

Barisan president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, deputy president Datuk Seri Utama Mohamad Hassan, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran M. Sanasee dan PBRS president Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup will be attending too.

Bung said the presence of Umno and Barisan in the federal government allows the party to carry out people-based agendas and policies.

The situation is not the same here in Sabah, unfortunately, he said.

On Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57) chairman, Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar’s statement that Anwar should not attend the Barisan convention here as it would be seen as an attempt to break the unity between Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan in Sabah, he said there is no need to heed such calls.

Bung said that was Zulkarnain’s perception and that such toxic statements should not be taken seriously.

He said at the federal level, Barisan and Umno are still the main components of the unity government.

He said it is time for politicians to unite and work together to ensure peace, harmony and prosperity for the nation.

Bung said a strong and continuous sentiment that focuses on statehood should cease because it does not benefit anyone, especially in the midst of bringing developments for the people.

The Barisan convention at the SMJK Tiong Hua Hall is expected to welcome some 15,000 members statewide.