SANDAKAN: Barisan Nasional (BN) has not ruled out forming electoral partnerships for the upcoming Sabah State Election, with Sabah Umno signalling flexibility in its strategy.
Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir stated that while no final decision has been made on whether to contest solo or collaborate, the party is keeping its options open.
“Yes, we are in a dilemma with the current political landscape ahead of the 17th state election. However, based on internal discussions, Sabah Umno is neither closing the door nor fully committing to alliances with other parties,” said Suhaimi, who is also the Libaran MP.
Suhaimi emphasized that regardless of BN’s broader strategy, the Libaran Umno division will defend all three state seats under the Libaran parliamentary constituency: Sungai Manila, Sungai Sibuga, and Gum-Gum.
“Whether we collaborate with another party or not, we will contest these seats as they are Umno’s traditional strongholds,” he asserted.
In the 2020 Sabah State Election, BN’s Datuk Mokran Ingkat won Sungai Manila, while Datuk Mohamad Hamsan Awang Supain secured Sungai Sibuga. The Gum-Gum seat was won by Parti Warisan’s Arunarsin Taib.
Suhaimi made these remarks during the Libaran Umno Ramadan iftar programme at Aisyadelia Cottage here on Friday.
The gathering was attended by Sungai Manila Assemblyman and Libaran Umno deputy chief Datuk Mokran Ingkat, along with other division leaders.
He urged party members to intensify preparations for the State polls, stressing that the welfare of the people must remain the party’s top priority.
Additionally, Suhaimi reminded members to prepare for Umno’s upcoming general meeting, set to begin on April 7.
The Sabah State Election is expected to be a closely watched contest, with political alliances likely to play a key role in shaping the outcome. – James Leong
