SABAH Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has vowed that Umno and BN state leaders who defied the coalition’s decision during the 2023 political crisis will not be fielded in the upcoming Sabah election.
Speaking during a coalition walkabout at Gaya Street here, Bung said the party had taken measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
“We have taken the necessary steps, and I am very confident that after the next Sabah state election, such incidents will not happen again to Umno and Barisan Nasional,” said Bung.
When pressed if this meant the dissenting leaders would be barred from contesting under BN or Umno, Bung firmly replied, “Yes, they won’t be fielded.”
A state election is to be called at any time in Sabah this year.
The dissenters, including five Umno assemblymen, supported Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor despite the state alliance’s decision to withdraw support for his government in January 2023.
Bung had previously criticised these leaders for allegedly turning their backs on the party in pursuit of positions and power.
The crisis erupted when Bung announced that Sabah Umno and BN would withdraw their support for Hajiji's Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led government, citing a lack of consultation and failure to honour political agreements.
Bung accused Hajiji of sidelining Umno and BN in key decisions, including appointments and resource allocations.
However, five Umno assemblymen – Shahelmey Yahya, Jasnih Daya, James Ratib, Yusof Yacob, and Mohd Arsad Bistari – broke ranks and supported Hajiji, ensuring his government retained a majority.
Their defiance led to their eventual departure from Umno, and they joined Hajiji’s Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan).
The crisis marked a turning point in Sabah politics, highlighting divisions within Umno and BN while solidifying Hajiji’s hold on power. - January 26, 2025.
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