KOTA KINABALU – Sabah Umno could sever ties with state ruling coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) if the party’s central leadership decides to withdraw support from the federal Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration, sources told The Vibes.
Despite the Barisan Nasional (BN) lynchpin keeping mum about the state of its relations with Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, its state chapter has decided that it is willing to go it alone in the next general election, a source said.
“There’s nothing we can do. Our loyalty is to the party president. They can talk about the GRS pact, but I think what’s more important is for us to move forward with BN,” said a Sabah Umno leader on condition of anonymity.
The rift between Umno and Bersatu, the source added, became more evident after the Sabah election last year, and tensions that engulfed Putrajaya are also spilling over to Kota Kinabalu.
“Of course, there’s also leadership trouble going on in Sabah Umno, with a group calling for party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to step down for the sake of political stability for the whole country.
“But, there’s also another group pressing for the president to end the cooperation and become a main player in the polls,” said the source, adding that Umno is gunning for the top post this time.
During Sabah Umno’s 30th anniversary on February 20, its chief, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, reiterated his support for the beleaguered Zahid, who is currently facing corruption charges in court.
But, he also maintained that the state chapter will adhere to and support whoever succeeds Zahid. – The Vibes, February 24, 2021
