Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has announced that Umno and BN are ready to collaborate with any coalition or party to form the next Sabah state government following the November 29 election.
Speaking in Putatan, Kota Kinabalu, Zahid acknowledged the competitive nature of the upcoming polls, noting that analyses suggest no single party or coalition is likely to secure a dominant position.
“This is our chance to seize Sabah, but the reality is that no single party or coalition will dominate,” he said, as reported by Berita Harian. He expressed confidence in forming a government through cooperation, stating, “God willing, Umno will work with any coalition or party to form the state government and share power.” This approach underscores BN’s determination to challenge the incumbent Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and secure a role in shaping Sabah’s future.
Rejecting the “Sabah for Sabahans” Narrative
Zahid criticized local parties promoting the “Sabah for Sabahans” slogan, arguing that their rejection of so-called “Malayan” parties overlooks the contributions of Malaysians from other states to Sabah’s security. He referenced the 2013 Lahad Datu incursion, highlighting the role of national forces in defending the state.
“Who came to defend Sabah in Tanduo? The Malayans came to defend Sabah,” he said, citing the deployment of military assets under then-Prime Minister Najib Razak, who established the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu.
Sabah Umno’s Local Commitment
Emphasizing Umno’s deep ties to the state, Zahid stressed that Sabah Umno operates with autonomy to serve local interests, countering perceptions of it being a “Malayan party.” “This is a party for Sabahans. It was Sabahans who invited Umno to help the state,” he said, pointing to the party’s contributions to Sabah’s development. He urged voters to give BN a chance to continue delivering progress, highlighting its track record in the state.
