KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional is not planning to contest the upcoming state election alone, as Sabah Umno indicates openness to forming electoral alliances with other parties.
Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said that while no final decision has been made on whether to go solo or collaborate, the option remains flexible.
"Yes, we are in a dilemma with the current situation ahead of the 17th state election. However, based on sources and decisions made by Sabah Umno, we are neither closing the door nor fully opening it to collaboration with other parties," he said.
Suhaimi, also the Libaran MP, emphasised that regardless of the broader party strategy, the Libaran Umno division will defend all three state seats within the Libaran parliamentary constituency: Sg Manila, Sg Sibuga, and Gum Gum.
"Whether we team up with another party or not, we will defend these seats as they are Umno’s traditional strongholds," he said.
In the 2020 Sabah state election, Barisan’s Datuk Mokran Ingkat won in Sungai Manila and Datuk Mohamad Hamsan Awang Supain secured Sungai Sibuga, while the Gum-Gum seat was claimed by Parti Warisan’s Arunarsin Taib.
All three state seats fall under the Libaran parliamentary constituency, traditionally an Umno and Barisan stronghold due to the coalition’s deep-rooted presence and support base in the area.
He made these remarks at the Libaran Umno division’s Ramadan iftar event at Aisyadelia Cottage, Mile 14, Sandakan, on Friday.
The event was attended by Sungai Manila assemblyman and Libaran Umno deputy chief Datuk Mokran Ingkat, along with other division leaders.
Earlier, Suhaimi urged party machinery to work diligently ahead of the state polls, emphasising that the people’s future and well-being must remain the party’s top priority.
He also reminded party members to prepare for the upcoming Umno general meetings, scheduled to begin on April 7.
COMPLI
SABAH & SARAWAK, POLITICS
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