Sabah Umno must seek sincere allies for the 16th general election (GE16) after snagging just six seats in state polls, said a top party leader.
Supreme Council member Yakub Khan noted Barisan Nasional tied up with Pakatan Harapan on Nov 29. They eyed dominance to form government.
Sepanggar Umno chief said results dashed that. BN now props up rival Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) administration.
Sabah Umno needs structure review and trustworthy partners, he told FMT. He skipped naming fits.
Dynamics shift fast. Today’s friend foes tomorrow.
By-Election Ties and Past Wins
GRS backs BN in Jan 24 Lamag state and Kinabatangan parliamentary by-elections. Called after Bung Moktar Radin’s Dec 5 death.
2022 saw Sabah BN-GRS pact yield seven parl seats: Kinabatangan, Putatan, Beaufort, Libaran, Kalabakan, Kimanis, Pensiangan.
BN risks five sans GE16 pact.
Member-Vote Disconnect
At last week’s Umno assembly, secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki flagged Sabah gap.
Over 622,637 members yielded 144,584 votes. Barely 23%.
Refining the Path Forward
Yakub listed refinements: partners, cooperation modes for GE16 direction.
Depends on ally. PH teamwork differs from others, he said.
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