Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has reinforced UMNO’s hardline stance against former allies but hinted that post-election realities could shift the party’s position.

Bung declared that UMNO would not work with those who turned their backs on the party.

“UMNO will not form alliances with parties that have betrayed us,” he said at the Sabah UMNO Zone 2 Ramadan Iftar in Tuaran,members from the Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Sepanggar, and Putatan divisions on Sunday night.

The remark was seen as a direct jab at Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and its leader, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, with whom Sabah UMNO severed ties in January 2023.

But when asked whether UMNO would reconsider its stance if the election results left the party with limited options, Bung signaled some flexibility if there’s no clear path to power. 

“After the election, many things can happen. Sometimes, what seems impossible becomes possible, and what’s possible becomes impossible,” he said.

Bung’s remarks reflect UMNO’s balancing act—projecting strength while keeping its options open, indicating the possibilities of a repeat of a hung state assembly after the 2018 general election. 

At one point, he also made it clear he would not be easily deceived again.

“My friends told me, ‘Datuk Bung, don’t get bitten by the same snake twice.’ I told them, ‘Not this time—I’ve got my rotan ready. Any snake that is not loyal, we will cut off its head.’”

While Bung noted the importance of forming alliances, he also noted that Sabah Umno was also prepared to go solo in the state election. 

“If we can work together, we will work together. If we have to go on our own, then we will go on our own,” he said, while also acknowledging that multi-cornered fights could force unexpected realignments.

“There are already eight registered parties planning to contest. 

“That means, in some seats, we could see at least eight candidates running,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Bung also addressed concerns over the corruption probe involving Umno Vice President Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, admitting the potential impact on the campaign.

“There are definitely effects from this issue, but we are trying to manage it. Since it is still under investigation, we do not yet know how to elaborate on it further.”

On BN’s internal politics, Bung said Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) remains in discussions on seat sharing but awaits directions from the coalition’s central leadership.

“The PBRS president is with the UMNO president and four other party presidents. 

“Usually, we wait for a cue from BN’s central leadership before making any decisions,” he said.

Bung also confirmed that UMNO had finalised most of its candidates, citing only 30-40% of incumbents expected to be retained.

“UMNO Sabah has identified its seats, right? It has. Candidates? More or less, also done.”

He also noted that women candidates would be fielded but only if they were deemed winnable.

“We must have women candidates. But we need to see which ones can win. We cannot afford to lose any seat we contest.”

Reflecting on BN’s 2018 loss, Bung admitted poor preparations.

“If we prepare early, we will not lose. If our preparations are not complete, we will lose. That is what happened in the 2018 election.” – March 17, 2025