SANDAKAN: Libaran UMNO urges the party’s leadership to reclaim the Gum-Gum state seat for Barisan Nasional (BN), overturning an initial agreement for the constituency to be contested by its coalition partner, Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Division chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir argued that recent ground assessments show strong local support and a capable BN machinery, making the seat winnable for UMNO. Gum-Gum is currently held by Warisan.
He also expressed confidence in BN retaining the nearby Sungai Sibuga and Sungai Manila seats. The appeal will be decided in an upcoming meeting between the War Room and state UMNO leadership this week.
Suhaimi stated that while early discussions between the UMNO War Room Secretariat and PH had decided that the Gum-Gum seat would be allocated to PH, a recent ground assessment warrants a reversal of that decision.
“After evaluating the grassroots support and the operational readiness of the BN machinery on the ground, we believe the Gum-Gum seat is winnable and should rightfully be contested by UMNO,” Suhaimi said firmly.
He made these remarks during a meet-and-greet event between UMNO Libaran members and Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Maslan, Head of the UMNO War Room Secretariat.
In preparation for the election, Suhaimi who is Sabah UMNO Information Chief, revealed that the division has established 25 Voting District Centres (PDM) and two sub-PDMs to secure victory in all three seats.
While BN is reportedly targeting to contest up to 43 seats in the upcoming State Election, Suhaimi acknowledged that the final decision rests with the party leadership. – James Leong
