DATUK Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has reaffirmed Sabah Umno ’s autonomy to chart its political course ahead of the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN).
The Umno President emphasised that the party’s central leadership fully respects the autonomy of its Sabah chapter, led by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, in making decisions that best serve the party’s interests in the state.
“We have given autonomy to Sabah Umno, and we have full confidence in the leadership of Sabah Umno,” Zahid said after launching Umno Sabah’s Gerak 17 program in Kota Kinabalu.
However, Zahid clarified that this autonomy does not rule out engagement with the national leadership, adding that consultations and discussions on strategy will continue between Sabah and Putrajaya.
“There is nothing that cannot be discussed or negotiated.
“I am confident in the state leadership. Discussions will not only take place with leaders in Sabah but also with us in Putrajaya,” he added.
On the status of Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, the Putatan Member of Parliament and Tanjung Keramat assemblyman, Zahid confirmed that Shahelmey remains suspended from Umno following his fallout with the party’s state leadership for supporting the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government.
“They have not left Umno and they have not been expelled. Their status in Umno is suspended,” Zahid clarified.
When asked whether Shahelmey could contest again under Umno or Barisan Nasional, Zahid said the decision would ultimately depend on Shahelmey’s own judgment.
“That depends on the wisdom of Yang Berhormat Datuk Shahelmey,” he said.
It was previously reported that Shahelmey would not be defending his Tanjung Keramat state seat in the upcoming Sabah election, as the seat has already been allocated to Putatan Umno Division Chief and Sabah Umno Election Director Jeffrey Nor Mohamed.
This decision effectively removes Shahelmey from the state-level contest, reinforcing the party’s disciplinary position following his suspension.
Should Shahelmey choose to contest as an independent or under another party’s banner, it could risk jeopardizing his position as Putatan MP, potentially triggering a by-election for the parliamentary seat. – May 17, 2025
