Sabah UMNO will tread cautiously in forming political alliances, with its chief, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, stating that the party will no longer be easily swayed by “sweet” pre-election promises from potential partners.

Bung Moktar’s statement came in the wake of UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s advice to state party members to remain calm and open-minded to the idea of forming alliances ahead of the upcoming state election.

“We must be wiser in choosing who we align with. Sabah UMNO will no longer be quick to trust sweet promises from those who eventually undermine our position,” he said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu, on Tuesday. 

During Sabah UMNO’s 34th-anniversary celebration in Tawau, Zahid emphasized the importance of UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah becoming the dominant political force in the upcoming state election.

He also urged caution, advising Sabah UMNO to prioritize strengthening its internal machinery before engaging in any political collaboration.

“As a party deeply rooted in Sabah, we have the right to decide our own alliances. We will not be pressured into partnerships that compromise our strength,” Bung Moktar said.

He stressed that Sabah UMNO is currently focused on bolstering its internal strength and ensuring its election machinery is well-prepared.

“Our main focus now is to strengthen our internal structure and ensure that every member and machinery of Sabah UMNO is ready to face PRN17 with high confidence,” he added.

Bung Moktar’s cautious stance is influenced by past experiences, particularly the pre-election deal with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for the 2020 Sabah election.

“With the support of the people, Sabah UMNO will confidently face PRN17 without rushing into alliances that may jeopardize our future,” he said. – February 25, 2025