SANDAKAN: Sabah Barisan Nasional must close ranks and win the support of voters or they will face defeat in the upcoming state polls, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
"We recognise the numerous challenges we face, including accusations and slander," the Sabah Barisan chairman said.
"It's time for us in Barisan to set aside our differences for the benefit of the people. Only by uniting can we have a stronger voice and a more formidable front. Remaining divided will only lead to defeat," said Bung Moktar.
"This is our opportunity, and we must seize our moment now. If not us, then who? If not Barisan, then who else?" he said at the Sabah Barisan convention held in SMJK Tiong Hua on Sunday (July 21).
He also said Sabah remains one of the poorest states in Malaysia despite its rich natural resources.
"After 61 years, Sabah is still impoverished and underdeveloped, even though we should be advancing ahead of other states. This is due to mismanagement and lack of commitment from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component parties," he claimed.
He argued that while GRS promotes the rejection of Malayan-based parties in favour of local parties, the 14 local parties in Sabah have failed to address critical issues as not all of them are well-established.
Bung Moktar said that even "cap ayam" (insignificant) political parties are interested in contesting at the upcoming polls.
The Sabah Umno leader then said that it is important to select popular local candidates.
"Some candidates may be the best but not liked by the people. We will choose candidates whom the people support," he said.
On political alliances, Bung Moktar said that decisions will be made closer to the elections.
There is talk that Parti Warisan and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat might team up with Barisan to challenge the GRS government.
Also present at the event were Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Kadir, treasurer Datuk Seri Johari Ghani, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah president Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
