Malaysia

Umno open to alliances but wants to be dominant force in state election

Manifesto is not a holy book when talking about electoral cooperation, said Ahmad Zahid.

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 23 Feb 2025 6:30PM

Umno open to alliances but wants to be dominant force in state election
Zahid made these remarks during his speech at Umno Sabah’s 34th Anniversary celebration at the Tawau Sports Complex. - February 23, 2025

by Jason Santos

UMNO is ready to form alliances with other political parties but wants to be the dominant force in the upcoming Sabah state election.

Its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party’s priority is to secure a decisive victory while staying open to potential collaborations.

“A manifesto is not a holy book, but once a promise is made, it must be kept.

“BN and Umno — don’t worry about which coalition to join, whether PH, GRS, or any other party. What matters is that Umno must be dominant in the election.

“We are willing to collaborate as long as the interests of the people of Sabah come first,” he said.

Zahid made these remarks during his speech at Umno Sabah’s 34th Anniversary celebration at the Tawau Sports Complex.

Rumours are swirling that political parties in Sabah should follow the Madani government’s approach, where PH and BN form an electoral pact for the state election.

While GRS is also part of the Madani government, Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has ruled out cooperating with the state-based ruling alliance.

He also highlighted Umno Sabah’s resilience, recalling the challenges the party faced in 2018 amid speculation of its dissolution.

Despite this, Umno maintained its presence in Sabah.

Zahid expressed confidence in the leadership of Seri Bung Moktar, to steer the party towards a dominant victory. - February 23, 2025

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