KOTA KINABALU – The presence of several Warisan leaders at the Sabah Umno Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house here today has further strengthened rumours that there may be an Umno-Warisan cooperation in the works.
Warisan deputy president Datuk Jaujan Sambakong, secretary-general Datuk Loretto Padua, and Darau assemblyman Datuk Azhar Matussin were spotted at the open house held at the Sabah Umno building near Karamunsing here.
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin were among top leaders from the host party present at the event.
When asked by reporters, Jaujan said Warisan is hoping for political cooperation between the parties, stressing that this is the formula to stability in the country and Sabah.
“I was not involved in talks (of cooperation with Umno) before,” said the Sulabayan assemblyman when responding to questions about talk of an Umno-Warisan collaboration.
“But it is our hope it can be a reality…like our (Warisan) president (Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal) has said before this, we are open to work with anyone. We have nothing against (cooperation with Umno),” he said, while maintaining that their presence at the Umno function was in the spirit of the Raya festivities.
Jaujan also denied that any terms had been set for any kind of cooperation, while making it clear working with other political parties is just what Warisan needs to face upcoming polls.
Warisan leaders were also spotted cosying up with Umno during Zahid’s last visit to Papar during the fasting period last month.
Warisan president Shafie has many times indicated the party’s willingness to work with Barisan Nasional parties, including Umno in the past.
Zahid meanwhile noted that the presence of various political leaders was a manifestation of the spirit of togetherness between the federal and state governments.
He also noted that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah leader and Kawang assemblyman Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar was also present at his earlier function in Papar.
Zahid, who is also federal rural and regional development minister, had earlier announced a RM600 million fund to implement numerous infrastructure projects in Sabah’s rural areas. – The Vibes, May 4, 2023
