KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno has announced its second candidate for the upcoming 17th state election—former chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said for the Usukan seat on Sabah’s west coast.
Salleh, currently the incumbent and Sabah Umno's treasurer, was confirmed as the candidate by Sabah Barisan Nasional and Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin during the party’s Gerak 17 programme in Usukan, Kota Belud, on Sunday (Nov 10).
Bung Moktar said Salleh’s candidacy aligns with the aspirations of the people of Usukan, who support his continued representation.
Previously, Bung Moktar had announced Umno division chief Jeffery Nor Mohamed as the candidate for the Tanjung Keramat state seat in advance of the state election, expected next September.
"He (Salleh) has made significant contributions to the party and the community, particularly in this area. His selection meets the necessary criteria and reflects the choice of the people in this constituency," said Bung Moktar.
He noted that Usukan holds historical significance as the first constituency in Sabah where Umno was established through a by-election on 11 May 1991, led by the late former chief minister and Tuan Yang Terutama, Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun.
Describing Usukan as the birthplace of Umno in Sabah, Bung Moktar called on the people to reignite that pioneering spirit.
He urged them to defend the seat in the upcoming election and reclaim the dignity of the Tempasuk seat, previously held by Umno.
Tempasuk assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari, who has since joined Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, was among six Umno members who declined to support a party-led bid to remove Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor early last year.
Bung Moktar further urged Umno members in Usukan to unite, strategise, and work as a team to secure a Barisan victory in the upcoming election, aiming to restore governance and address what he described as unmet needs of the people under the current administration.
“After nearly five years, Sabah continues to suffer from shortcomings, particularly in basic infrastructure and poverty reduction, impacting the daily lives of our people,” he said.
The Umno supreme council member criticised the current government for failing to acknowledge its shortcomings and instead shifting blame, especially onto Barisan, despite having previously benefited from the coalition.
“This state election is an opportunity for Sabahans to make a wise choice. The people should no longer be misled by slogans that sound impressive but lack effective implementation,” he said.
He then added that Barisan seeks a mandate from the people of Sabah to restore political stability and carry out a development agenda focused on the well-being of the people.
