KOTA KINABALU: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi remains optimistic about forming electoral pacts in anticipation of the 17th Sabah Election, which is due by September this year.
Ahmad Zahid, who also heads Barisan Nasional (BN), said the coalition remains open to discussions with all parties to form alliances for political stability.
“I see a bright light at the end of the tunnel. I am very open to forming party alliances. I believe the door should not be shut too tightly or left too wide open.
“This means we remain highly flexible in holding discussions with various parties so that this coalition can bring about political stability, particularly in Sabah,” he said during a visit to the Lido-Moyog River Basin near here on Monday (Feb 24).
He stressed that political stability at the federal level must also be reflected in Sabah.
However, political differences between Sabah Barisan, led by state Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), headed by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, are seen as obstacles to an electoral pact between Sabah Barisan, GRS and Sabah Pakatan Harapan.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was understood to be keen on an electoral pact in Sabah that aligns with the federal Unity Government's cooperation framework.
When asked if Barisan has engaged in official discussions with any parties in Sabah, Ahmad Zahid said they remain open and that discussions should continue if they serve the state’s best interests.
When pressed on whether an official meeting had occurred with GRS, he refrained from commenting, stating he was “not in a position to disclose that information to the media.”
On sentiments among Barisan grassroots, where some division leaders prefer working with Pakatan over GRS, Ahmad Zahid reiterated that the coalition remains open to alliances.
“We are holding discussions with all parties. The priority must be the people, ensuring that political issues are resolved in the best possible way.
“Most importantly, key party leaders in Sabah Umno must adopt an open mindset. They must be more accommodating in the interest of the people rather than focusing solely on their own party’s interests,” he said.
He assured that any collaboration would be formalised before the election and would continue beyond it.
Regarding Sabah Umno’s autonomy, the Deputy Prime Minister confirmed: “Yes, autonomy has been granted and is being implemented.”
He also clarified that Umno’s presence in Sabah, which began on Feb 5, 1991, was not part of an expansion plan but a response to requests from the country’s political leaders and people at the time.
“For 34 years, Umno and Barisan’s presence in Sabah has contributed significantly to development, as evidenced by the progress we have seen,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sabah Pakatan chief Datuk Ewon Benedick said they have held “unofficial meetings” within the coalition.
This follows internal differences among major coalition partners after Benedick won the leadership by three votes over incumbent Datuk Seri Christina Liew in December last year.
Sabah PKR secretary Sazalye Donol had claimed that the leadership quota belonged to PKR.
The decision appears to have caused a rift within the coalition, although leaders have denied any internal discord.
