UMNO President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged Sabah members to remain flexible and open-minded about potential election alliances, calling the need to adapt to the state’s shifting political landscape.

Zahid clarified his earlier remarks on UMNO’s ambition to be the dominant force in the state election, explaining that dominance does not mean exclusion and that collaboration with other political groups remains an option.

“Not dominance, but dominant. I am very open to building cooperation with local parties.

“I said the door should not be closed tightly, but also not opened too wide,” Zahid said when met by reporters in Kota Kinabalu on Monday. 

Speaking at the Sabah UMNO 34th anniversary in Tawau on Sunday (yesterday), Zahid noted that the state chapter must be flexible on forming alliances ahead of the Sabah election. 

He however was ambiguous when indicating that the party must be a dominant force in the state election. 

When asked by reporters here, Zahid clarified that his statements meant Sabah UMNO must remain flexible and open to discussions with all political groups.

This indicates that Zahid did not dismiss the possibility of forming alliances with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), despite being aware of the political tensions between his party leaders in Sabah and leaders in the ruling state coalition.

“We are very open to forming alliances. We are holding negotiations with all parties. The important thing is to prioritize the people so that political issues can be resolved in the best way.

“Leaders must be more open-minded and open-hearted for the sake of the people. Don’t think only about the interests of one party,” he said.

His remarks signaled a call for Sabah UMNO to shift its mindset, emphasizing that “political stability at the federal level should also be felt by the people of Sabah.”

Zahid’s comments follow Sabah UMNO Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s statement rejecting cooperation with GRS, reflecting internal differences within UMNO on how to approach alliances.

While Bung Moktar took a firm stance against working with GRS, Zahid hoped for a more flexible approach, implying that no options should be off the table as UMNO navigates Sabah’s complex political landscape.

Zahid was also aware of recent reports that nearly all – 22 out of 25 – of the state party’s division chiefs opposed cooperation with GRS when he made these remarks.

Toward this end, Zahid wants Sabah UMNO to be a more rational and adaptable political force, as well as being capable of navigating alliances that serve the best interests of the people.

When asked about Sabah UMNO autonomy on deciding on political alliances, Zahid may have misunderstood the question, responding with historical context about UMNO’s entry into Sabah in 1991 rather than clarifying the current political autonomy of the state chapter. – February 24, 2025