Zahid implores Sabah Umno to strengthen ties within GRS

KOTA KINABALU: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has told party members in Sabah to set aside any friction with its partners in Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and to continue strengthening the coalition government.

Speaking via a virtual conference during Sabah Umno’s 30th anniversary celebrations here last night, Zahid said the people are the priority.

“To friends in Sabah Umno, continue the fight. Let’s not have even a bit of animosity against our other friends, we must move forward from now on,” he said during the dinner in which chief minister and Sabah Perikatan Nasional chief Hajiji Noor was the guest of honour.

“The people’s interests are of importance and this is why we should forget superficial matters among us.

“Although the GRS coalition is made up of various parties, I view it as a template that should be welcomed and implemented.”

There was tension between Sabah Umno and PN after the state elections last year over the chief minister’s post which Umno eventually conceded to PN. This led to several Umno leaders speaking out.

It was said that Sabah Umno was also unhappy with the distribution of posts to state Barisan Nasional leaders, which had helped GRS to secure a simple majority of 38 seats in the state polls.

Things have since cooled down with both outfits seemingly forming a stronger bond but political observers have noted that this relationship was worth watching as any dispute could trigger fresh tensions.

Meanwhile, Zahid said Umno is open to working with all friendly parties throughout the country although not every party could accept this philosophy.

But with dedication and hard work, he said success will just be around the corner even though it is not easy to achieve.

“Many people can endure the test when we are successful but not that many can withstand it when we have little. Now we are faced with challenges, just accept these as challenges from Allah,” he said, without elaborating.

Towards this end, he was confident the present Umno members in the state throughout all levels will remain loyal to the party and further solidify the party’s presence and strength in Sabah.

Zahid also rallied Umno members to utilise the opportunity they have by virtue of being part of the ruling GRS coalition to win back the hearts of Sabahans.

“I believe the people miss us. Don’t ever brush aside the aspirations of the people.

“Use the advantage and opportunity you have now to earn their support,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin echoed Zahid’s sentiments on finding common ground to work with each other, saying small matters should not get in the way of building the state for the people’s benefit.

“This state really needs our services as the GRS government, so I invite all our friends to strengthen our solidarity and tidy up our machinery – let’s help the Sabah government, help the people.

“Set aside the small matters because we have a bigger agenda to develop the state,” he said.

On another matter, Bung paid tribute to all past leaders who played a role in steering Sabah Umno before and after it ruled the state from 1994.

He said he was also proud that the party was also responsible in churning out many leaders with quality who went on to head other parties in Sabah.

“Many of the parties in Sabah are led by former Umno leaders.

“We have also seen the emergence of Warisan which is led by another former Umno leader, my brother Shafie Apdal who is a former Umno vice-president,” he said. — Free Malaysia Today