Umno expressed strong confidence in its ability to field formidable candidates for the 17th Sabah State Election, scheduled to take place later this year, as preparations intensify ahead of the anticipated dissolution of the state assembly.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, the Umno central war room secretariat chief, emphasized the party’s deep pool of qualified candidates with robust grassroots support. “We (Umno) are not lacking in candidates. What matters is that the election machinery unites behind whoever is chosen. Both the machinery and the candidate are key to victory,” said Ahmad, who also serves as an Umno supreme council member and the Member of Parliament for Pontian.
Speaking after attending a football match screening in Ayer Baloi on Sunday night, Ahmad outlined the criteria for candidate selection, stressing that nominees must be “winnable, acceptable, and likeable.” He highlighted the importance of selecting locally born candidates capable of forging strong connections with Sabah’s electorate. While the final decision rests with the party leadership, Ahmad noted that the 26 Umno division chiefs in Sabah are encouraged to propose their own nominees.
Although the exact number of seats Umno will contest remains undecided due to the state assembly’s pending dissolution, Ahmad urged the party’s election machinery to begin preparations to ensure readiness once the election is officially called.
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor recently confirmed that the state assembly would be dissolved before its term expires on November 11, with an official announcement expected soon.
Hajiji, representing Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), reaffirmed the party’s commitment to maintaining its coalition with Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the upcoming election.
This decision, made during a GRS Supreme Council meeting, upholds the current state government’s GRS–PH partnership, despite Sabah Umno and Barisan Nasional severing ties with the coalition.
