It was Abdul Rahman’s take on matters, say Sabah Umno leaders
SEVERAL Sabah Umno leaders have voiced their concern over deputy chief Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s perceived solo efforts to rekindle ties with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
(The Vibes) – Sabah Umno and GRS had a fallout in January last year.
Umno election director Jeffrey Nor Mohamed and information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir dismissed Abdul Rahman’s recent remarks suggesting that GRS would struggle to secure a comfortable win in the upcoming state election without the combined support of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN).
“Abdul Rahman’s statements do not reflect the position of Sabah Umno. At this point, there have been no discussions with GRS,” Jeffrey Nor said in Putatan.
“Other than talks between BN and PH, we have not engaged with any other party, particularly local ones. This is just his personal opinion.”
The state election is expected to be called by December next year.
Suhaimi echoed similar sentiments, but he emphasised that the state chapter would operate within the autonomy granted by Umno Malaysia.
“We are open to collaborating with other parties in Sabah, but the core alliances must be with Sabah BN and PH,” he said.
During the Economic Politics Forum 2024, Abdul Rahman was quoted as saying, “whether GRS can win comfortably, the answer is no,” stressing the need for support from PH and BN to ensure such victory.
Abdul Rahman’s stance has been a source of contention within Sabah Umno, particularly with state chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
