Sabah Umno will collapse if I'm sidelined: Bung
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025
By: Malay Mail Text Size: Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has denied stepping aside in the coming state election, saying he will defend his Lamag state seat and is aiming to become chief minister. — Bernama pic Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has dismissed rumours of stepping aside in the coming state election. Speaking to Malay Mail, Bung said that not only would he defend his Lamag state assembly seat, he also had his eyes firmly set on becoming chief minister. 'How to be chief minister if I don't contest?' he said with a laugh, brushing off speculation that he was making way for his son to run in Lamag. Bung warned that any attempt to sideline him would jeopardise the party's revival in Sabah. 'If you remove me, Umno Sabah will shut down,' said the six-term Kinabatangan MP. 'I rebuilt Sabah Umno.' Bung said he restored Umno's footing in Sabah after the party's collapse in 2018, when many of its elected representatives and leaders left to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia. 'Before the exodus, we had around 530,000 members. It dropped to 400,000 after the 2018 crisis. Today, it's 615,000. That's what I've rebuilt in seven years,' he said. He said he had initially been reluctant to take the helm, but agreed on the condition that he would be allowed to lead without interference. 'I told the president — if I do this, you have to trust me,' he said, referring to Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Bung said he had faced stiff resistance within the party, including from former Sabah Umno Chief Tun Musa Aman, now the Governor, and other factions uneasy with his ties to opposition leader Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal. Both were alleged to be involved in the failed 'Kinabalu Move' in 2023 — an attempt to unseat Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Bung also addressed his strained relationship with his deputy, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, who is seen as more aligned with the GRS-led government having been appointed to the Board of Universiti Malaysia Sabah and chairman of the Sabah Oil and Gas Development Corporation. 'We've spoken. I think it's settled for now. I trust he will act in the party's interest.' Abdul Rahman has publicly criticised Bung's decisions and even invited Hajiji to a divisional event attended Ahmad Zahid — reportedly against Bung's wishes. Bung said Abdul Rahman is unlikely to be fielded as a candidate in the next state polls, noting the only possible seat for him would be Sulaman — Hajiji's stronghold since 1990. 'If he wants to contest, he can contest in Sulaman,' Bung quipped. Still, Bung acknowledged the challenge of managing internal candidate jostling. 'Everyone wants to be a candidate — especially division chiefs. But we must choose those most likely to win. Of course, not everyone will be happy,' he said when asked about his concern heading into the election. 'BN is a good party. But maybe we didn't have a leader who really understood the rakyat. I'm from the kampung. I know what the people need and I can deliver,' he said. He said rhetoric from local-based parties was limited to certain areas and did not resonate in rural constituencies, where basic needs remain unmet. 'They don't care about sentiments like local versus national politics or mining scandals,' he said. 'What they want is water supply during Raya, roads to their kebun, electricity to cook with, the internet...I know how to deliver that.' He said that during his two-year stint as works minister he had tried to solve the water supply issue by privatising water supply — a controversial idea in the state, where public utilities remain under government control. 'Sabah is one of the only states where water hasn't been privatised. I know it's not popular, but it can work,' he said. 'Yes, some will have to pay more — but we can have a tiered tariff system to be fair. 'For households using under RM30 per month – no need to pay at all. Those who use more, will pay more,' he added. After what he described as betrayal and sabotage by former allies in GRS, Bung has ruled out any pre-election cooperation with the coalition — despite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's vision of a three-way alliance between PH, BN, and GRS. PH would be a viable partner given its urban base and its popularity in Chinese-majority areas. 'PH is a good partner. But GRS? No. There's just too much bad history,' he said. He said he is aware that BN's ability to lead in the state again depends on how many seats it can win — ideally 30 to 40 — to avoid needing GRS's support to form government and be chief minister. 'That's why we have to win big. Everyone says they have the best chance. So let's see. 'We'll cross that bridge when we get there,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Borneo Post
PBS hits back at Bung: 'We stated a principle, not a plea'
Christopher KOTA KINABALU (June 28): Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Youth chief Datuk Dr Christoper Mandut has hit back at Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's statement, calling it 'defensive, bitter and riddled with contradictions.' Christopher said PBS never claimed to have received an official offer from Barisan Nasional (BN), but simply made clear its position that the party will not cooperate with BN in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. 'Whether or not an invitation was extended is beside the point. We are stating our stand, which is our democratic right – not imagining things. It is called principle,' he said in a statement on Saturday. His comments came in response to Bung's remark that PBS was rejecting 'something that was never offered,' while accusing the party of political irrelevance and historical betrayal. Christoper questioned the logic of such attacks, saying that if PBS was truly insignificant, there would be no reason for Sabah Umno to dedicate an entire press release to the party. 'The contradiction speaks for itself,' he said, adding that the hostility from Bung appeared to reflect a sense of insecurity rather than genuine political confidence. He emphasised that PBS, as one of Sabah's oldest and most established political parties, remained focused on its core struggle – upholding Sabah's rights and the Malaysia Agreement 1963. 'We have a clear political track record and continue to resonate with generations of Sabahans. Unlike some, we don't need to tear others down to stay relevant,' he added. Responding to accusations that PBS had 'jumped coalitions' and 'betrayed allies, Christoper turned the spotlight on Umno's own political realignments over the years, urging Bung to reflect on his own party's history. 'Politics is not static. Parties realign based on the needs of the people they represent. What matters is whether those choices are made in the interest of the rakyat – not out of personal ambition,' he stressed. He also rejected Bung's remarks that PBS was merely 'clinging to the coattails of others,' saying that the party remained a proactive and constructive partner in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government. Christopher called for maturity and respect in political discourse ahead of the coming election, warning that Sabahans were watching and deserved better than 'petty personal attacks and theatrics.' 'Let's rise above insults and name-calling. The people are intelligent and they know who is working sincerely for them, and who is only making noise in the media,' he said.
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Borneo Post
Pandikar's brinkmanship jolted him to higher profile
Pandikar Amin By first sulking and going on the offensive for having been sidelined in the favour and election seats shares in GRS, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Hj Mulia unexpectedly gained a stronger foothold in Sabah politics! Speaking last April, he made a threat that Usno 'may be forced to contest solo in the upcoming state election if it continues to be belittled and sidelined' in the GRS coalition. He pointed to the 'dismissive attitude' by some leaders within GRS, who questioned Usno's right to demand seats despite the party's efforts to build grassroots support. Within three days, on May 1, Gagasan Rakyat Bingkor Deputy Division Chief Rafie Robert and Kiulu Deputy Chief, Datuk George Teo, told Usno that it was free to leave the GRS if it feels the ruling coalition cannot meet its demands or felt it has been belittled. With disregard for any decorum, Rafie said bluntly, 'If you are dissatisfied … don't force yourself to stay … just leave.' But the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Hj Noor, stepped in to cool things down by declaring, after a three-hour meeting of GRS leaders on May 7, that 'All is well in GRS.' The congenial smiles of the four leaders, Hajiji, Pandikar, Datuk Yong Teck Lee and Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan on the front page headline of a local paper was hilarious knowing the strained backdrop of the news story. In dealing with the constrains to manoeuvre in the local political arena, Pandikar hasn't accepted any disadvantage he may have, but has leveraged on his strength of personality, as one who has gone through years in the political combat zones. Putting forth a self-assured front, he spoke his mind against some of whom he describes as 'greenhorns' – all in the bravado well-horned since his days in Bersih, AKAR and in the hot chair of Parliament. His latest no-nonsense pro-Sabah speech in Kunak, in which he raised Sabahans' grievances under the federal policies, has now gone viral and defined his and Usno's political stance. His strategy of advocating strongly for Sabah's greater autonomy within the GRS coalition has indeed enhanced his political influence. This 'brinkmanship' – pushing the boundaries of expected relationship norm in GRS – to the point of threatening to go it alone in the forthcoming PRN17, has likely boosted his clout within the coalition and among Sabahans for several reasons: 1. He appeals to the Sabah Sentiment: The desire for greater autonomy and a fairer share of resources is deeply felt among many Sabahans. By publicly and aggressively championing these causes, Pandikar positions himself as a strong advocate for Sabah's interests, resonating with voters who feel marginalized or ignored by the federal government. This strengthens his base of support. 2. Internal Coalition Dynamics: His outspokenness creates pressure within the GRS coalition. While potentially disruptive, it forces other coalition partners to acknowledge and address Sabah's concerns, giving USNO a more prominent role in discussions and decision-making processes. His willingness to push boundaries gains him attention and influence. 3. Media Attention and Public Perception: Pandikar's assertive tactics generate considerable media attention, increasing his visibility and shaping public perception. This increases his profile and strengthens his influence beyond the immediate political arena. 4. Negotiating Power: By demonstrating a willingness to push the boundaries of the coalition, Pandikar strengthens his negotiating position. He can leverage his vocal support for Sabah's autonomy to secure concessions and influence policy decisions within GRS. 5. Mobilization of Support: This assertive stance can mobilize support not only within USNO but also amongst other groups and parties sympathetic to Sabah's cause. This expands his political base and increases his bargaining power. However, it is crucial to note that this brinkmanship may carry some risks. Although his assertiveness had pushed GRS for a reconciliation, any excess may alienate coalition partners and damage his relationships within GRS. But as one who has known him since our days in AKAR, I see no possibility of him compromising on his stance where Sabah rights are concerned. It's a u-turn from his previous stance when he was Parliament chairman, but this new direction boosts Usno's influence as it resonates with the now popular 'Sabah for Sabahans' slogan. What he has achieved with his typical virulent rhetoric are leadership gems which has raised him further up in the Sabah political current, ultimately to herald the recognition that Pandikar Amin Hj Mulia is still a force to be reckoned with! It could also be perceived negatively by some voters who prefer a more conciliatory approach. The effectiveness of his strategy will depend on careful calculation and a deep understanding of Sabah's political landscape. The long-term consequences remain to be seen. Pandikar's shift from a previously pro-federal stance to a strong advocate for Sabah's greater autonomy represents a significant change in his political trajectory. This U-turn can be analyzed from several perspectives: • Political Pragmatism: Pandikar's change might be driven by political pragmatism. He may have recognized that advocating for Sabah's autonomy resonates far more strongly with the Sabah electorate than a pro-federal stance. By aligning himself with the popular sentiment of greater self-determination, he enhances his political viability and appeal within Sabah. • Evolving Political Landscape: The political landscape in Sabah has shifted significantly. The increased focus on the implementation of MA63 and the growing demand for greater autonomy have created a more receptive environment for pro-autonomy voices. Pandikar's shift might reflect an adaptation to this evolving political reality. • Internal Party Dynamics: His change could be influenced by internal dynamics within USNO and his desire to strengthen the party's position within Sabah's political arena. Embracing the autonomy agenda allows him to consolidate his position as a key leader within the party. • Strategic Calculation: Pandikar's U-turn could be a strategic calculation aimed at enhancing his negotiating power. By adopting a more assertive stance, he can exert greater influence within the GRS coalition and secure concessions from the federal government. • Response to Public Pressure: It's possible the shift is a response to mounting public pressure from Sabahans demanding greater autonomy and a more assertive representation of their interests at the federal level. Pandikar may have sensed this public sentiment and changed his political position to better reflect the views of his electorate. • Shifting Priorities: His priorities might have changed over time, leading to a reevaluation of his political stance. He may have come to view greater autonomy as essential for Sabah's long-term prosperity and well-being. However, it's important to acknowledge that Pandikar's change could also be perceived as opportunistic. The timing of his shift raises questions about his sincerity and motivations. His previous pro-federal stance could be used to criticize his current advocacy for greater autonomy, potentially undermining his credibility among some segments of the population. The long-term implications of this change will likely depend on the consistency and effectiveness of his approach. How has Pandikar's U-turn affected his relationship with other GRS leaders? What are the key issues Pandikar advocates for Sabah? What are the main reasons for the U-turn?
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Fadillah concludes central Asian visits, nuclear energy revival on the horizon
Fadillah's visit focused on the potential revival of Malaysia's nuclear energy programme, alongside collaboration in the halal economy, tourism, energy investments and Islamic finance. – Bernama photo MOSCOW (June 28): Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has concluded his eight-day working visit to Uzbekistan and Russia, marking a pivotal step in Malaysia's renewed efforts to strengthen strategic international partnerships. The visit focused on the potential revival of Malaysia's nuclear energy programme, alongside collaboration in the halal economy, tourism, energy investments and Islamic finance. A key milestone was the signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) between MyPower Corporation, a special-purpose agency under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra), and the Russian state atomic energy agency Rosatom. The agreement paves the way for potential cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology, as Malaysia re-evaluates its long-term energy strategy. As Malaysia advances its National Energy Transition Roadmap, nuclear energy is being seriously considered as a reliable, clean baseload option to diversify the energy mix and achieve long-term climate and energy security goals. Malaysia previously had a robust nuclear development agenda, including plans to commission two nuclear power plants by 2021. However, these plans were shelved, and the Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation was disbanded in 2018. Today, amid increasing pressure to decarbonise and diversify its energy sources, nuclear energy is once again under consideration as a viable low-carbon option. A recently completed pre-feasibility study yielded encouraging findings, prompting the government to explore implementation pathways that align fully with global safety, security and non-proliferation standards. The visit also reinforced Malaysia's global halal leadership. Both Uzbekistan and Russia expressed strong interest in leveraging Malaysia's well-established halal ecosystem. Additionally, the Uzbek government extended a formal invitation to Malaysia's national oil and gas company, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), to consider reinvesting in the republic's energy sector. Petronas had exited Uzbekistan in 2013, but new opportunities in exploration and upstream development have emerged as Uzbekistan seeks to revitalise its energy landscape. Tourism ties were boosted by AirAsia X's launch of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tashkent, operating three times weekly. Recognising the potential to further enhance travel and trade, Fadillah encouraged AirAsia X to expand its route to include Samarkand, a historic Silk Road city and Unesco World Heritage Site, offering added value for both leisure and cultural tourism. Uzbekistan is also keen to collaborate with Malaysia on carbon trading, and has expressed interest in tapping Malaysia's extensive experience in developing the sukuk market — an area in which Malaysia is widely recognised as a global leader in Islamic finance. – Bernama airasia x fadillah yusof malaysia nuclear Russia Uzbekistan
