KOTA KINABALU – Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin proposed that the state government be called GRS-BN (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Barisan Nasional) as the federal ruling BN was not included when the state alliance was officially registered this month.
“I have asked for us (Sabah ruling alliance) to be named the GRS-BN government because it is not fair that BN is not mentioned in the government when we are a part of the government.
“I have made an unofficial (verbal) proposal,” he said in a press conference at the Sabah Umno building here today.
Bung, who is deputy chief minister and state works minister, said BN was aware that it was not part of GRS before the alliance was officially registered.
He added that Sabah Umno and Sabah BN cannot officially be part of GRS as one party cannot be with two alliances, making it irrelevant for BN to be in GRS.
The Kinabatangan MP and Moyog assemblyman said Sabah Umno will be negotiating with its allies in GRS to determine its direction in the coming general election.
“At the same time, Sabah Umno is tied to central Umno, and will determine our direction because Sabah Umno does not have autonomy in the federal general election.
“We will discuss with the party president on Monday, and get his views on how Sabah Umno and BN can perform our duties in this coming election, and we will make the decision for the best strategy ahead of GE15.”
Bung Moktar said Sabah Umno’s machinery is ready to face the 15th general election, and the party will choose candidates favoured by the people.
When speaking about Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, who recently announced the party’s openness to working with any party, including Umno, Bung Moktar said anything is possible in politics because it is dynamic and “alive”.
“But we have to do it right or the public will judge us. If we take the wrong step, then (they will see that) it is wrong.
“Nothing is official yet but I agree with Shafie for being open to discussing with anyone because politics are ‘alive’ and if we close all our doors, it is not politics.”
Bung Moktar said he is open to the possibility of working with Warisan, but he will prioritise discussing the matter with GRS first.
He added that it is not necessary for Sabah PAS to be registered with GRS as the Islamist party is already in the Perikatan Nasional coalition. – The Vibes, March 25, 2022
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