Kota Kinabalu – Sabah Umno has set its sights on securing at least 32 seats in the upcoming state election, with ambitions to ultimately capture 40 seats, declared its chairman, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
In a bold statement, Bung Moktar made it clear that the party is prepared to take on its former ally, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), ruling out any negotiations for seat allocations.
No Compromise with GRS
The Lamag assemblyman emphasized that Umno is ready for head-to-head clashes or multi-cornered fights in as many as 25 seats against the Hajiji Noor-led coalition.
“We’ve been conducting dry runs in our key constituencies. Our machinery is strong, and we’re ready for any scenario—straight fights or free-for-alls,” he said. “I expect six- or seven-way contests in some areas. That’s fine—everyone thinks they can win. But I trust our ground game to prevail.”
The seats in focus are primarily rural and semi-urban areas that Barisan Nasional (BN) contested in the 2020 state election.
Cooperation with PH, But Not GRS
While Umno is locking horns with GRS, it maintains a working relationship with Pakatan Harapan (PH). Bung Moktar described discussions with PH as productive, acknowledging their strength in urban and Chinese-majority seats.
“They’re good partners. We don’t foresee major issues with them,” he said.
However, this stance contradicts Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vision of a three-way alliance between PH, BN, and GRS—mirroring the federal unity government model in Sabah.
A Fractured Alliance
The rift between Sabah Umno and GRS stems from a power struggle in January 2023, which shattered their coalition. Though they governed together after the 2020 polls, tensions had been brewing from the outset.
Bung Moktar, who served as deputy chief minister, accused GRS of:
✔ Breaching agreed seat allocations
✔ Fielding candidates in BN strongholds
✔ Side-lining Umno in the state administration
“We won’t let history repeat itself,” he asserted. “This time, we’re fighting on our own terms.”
PBRS to Hold Fort in Interior Seats
BN’s ally, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), is expected to contest in Keningau and other interior constituencies with significant non-Muslim Bumiputera populations.
High-Stakes Showdown Ahead
With Umno’s aggressive stance and GRS digging in, Sabah is headed for a hotly contested election. The question remains: Will the unity government model collapse in Sabah, or can PH broker a last-minute truce?
One thing is certain—the battle lines are drawn, and Umno is charging in with no intention of backing down.