The relationship between Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) and Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) should first be harmonised before considering any strategy to mend ties with others. 

Sabah UMNO election director Jeffery Nor Mohamed said this is crucial as it forms the foundation for successful cooperation with other coalition partners.

“I consider Razeef’s view somewhat subjective, because I see that nearly all parties in Sabah support the Unity Government at the federal level, including Warisan and KDM.”

“Why don’t we explore all possibilities that could bring shared success in developing the state and the people of Sabah,” he said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu on Monday.

Jeffery was responding to Sabah PKR information chief Razeef Rakimin’s call for BN to resolve its ties with GRS to avoid putting PH in a difficult position, which could affect preparations for the upcoming state election.

Razeef had earlier welcomed the announcement by Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin on the coalition’s intent to work with PH in line with the aspirations of the federal-level Unity Government.

Following this, Jeffery—who is also UMNO Putatan division chief—proposed that PH Sabah and Warisan also work to mend their relationship, noting that both parties had previously cooperated to form governments at the state and federal levels.

“There’s nothing wrong with this, as those parties also support the federal Unity Government. 

“The foundation must be strengthened before taking any further steps. We must also consider the strength of the parties, current issues, and the sentiments of Sabahans.”

“This situation is a result of the state and federal elections no longer being held concurrently. In this dynamic political landscape, strategic thinking and political savvy are essential. Naturally, the people of Sabah hope for stability, harmony, and meaningful change.”

“We want to see a stable federal government and drastic reforms to address the many issues currently facing Sabah,” he said.