Latest news with #SabahBarisanNasional
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah Umno to focus on unity and upcoming state election
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno is focusing its efforts on winning the upcoming state election, known as PRN17, prioritising unity and a clear purpose over past disputes. Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, leader of both Sabah Barisan Nasional and Umno, asserted the party's readiness with strong grassroots machinery, renewed energy, and a clear agenda aimed at restoring effective governance under strong national leadership. "Our mission is singular and urgent, to win the state election. And we are ready with solid grassroots machinery, renewed energy, and a clear agenda to restore dignity and deliver effective governance under a strong national leadership," he stated on Thursday (July 17). Addressing recent remarks by fellow Sabah Umno leader Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, Bung Moktar emphasised that while differing opinions exist, the party's focus should remain on the future rather than past events. He noted that Abdul Rahman had referenced events from 2022, reflecting past internal differences, but clarified that the decisions then were made through collective consensus. "Politics naturally involves differences. What matters is how we resolve them. That episode is behind us. We respect the past, but we are not prisoners of it," he said. Bung Moktar also criticised certain media outlets for reviving old narratives for their own purposes. "Let me be clear, Sabah Umno is united, focused, and fully committed as one team heading into PRN17," he added. He reiterated the party's dedication to providing real solutions that address the people's needs, rather than getting entangled in old political drama. "In today's political landscape, whether in Sabah, Malaysia, or globally, the public values those who offer solutions, not those stuck in the past. That is why Sabah Umno chooses to be part of the solution, part of the future," he concluded.
New Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Bung Moktar: Court case won't diminish support for me
KOTA KINABALU: The ongoing court case will not affect support for him, said Sabah Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. "This case has been ongoing for almost six years, and I have won two elections while facing it," he told the New Straits Times. Bung's court case began on May 3, 2019, when he pleaded not guilty to three charges of accepting bribes amounting to RM2.8 million in return for approving Felcra's investment of RM150 million in Public Mutual unit trust funds. His wife, Datin Seri Zizie Izette, 45, also pleaded not guilty to three charges of abetting her husband in the matter at the same place, date and time. In May, the Court of Appeal ordered Bung Moktar and his wife to continue their defence in the graft case. Last week, he was reported to have dismissed rumours that he would step aside in the upcoming state election, adding that he would continue to defend his Lamag state assembly seat, which he has held since the 2020 state election. Bung Moktar any attempt to sideline him would jeopardise the party's revival in Sabah. "I am confident that the truth will ultimately prevail. "I don't see how my court case can affect the support for me," said the former state deputy chief minister, who has served as member of parliament for Kinabatangan since 1999. On grassroots support, Bung said that members have been wishing the best for their leaders, as Barisan Nasional has a track record of developing Sabah when in power. "In politics, it is almost impossible for any leader to gain 100 per cent support; however, grassroots acceptance of Umno-BN is steadily increasing."
Borneo Post
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah BN mulls inclusive power-sharing formula for fairer representation
Salleh KOTA KINABALU (June 22): Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) is exploring a new power-sharing formula aimed at ensuring fair political representation among the state's diverse communities. Sabah Umno treasurer Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said discussions are ongoing within the coalition to refine this approach. 'I would also like to mention the power-sharing system that BN is currently exploring. It's not just about power-sharing — we are also looking at political accommodation,' he said. Salleh stressed that no single party should act as the dominant force within the coalition. 'We should engage in discussions that take into account the needs of both Muslim and non-Muslim Bumiputera. We need a formula that can satisfy everyone. We are committed to addressing this,' he said, after officiating the Sabah Umno Kota Kinabalu division meeting. He added that BN is working on a draft commitment for the people of Sabah to tackle the state's fundamental issues — an effort he personally pledges to lead. When asked about the specifics of the proposed formula, Salleh said discussions with coalition partners are still ongoing but pointed to previous models as reference. 'Looking back at our past, we had a formula that considered both Muslim and non-Muslim Bumiputera,' he said. Recalling his tenure as Sabah Chief Minister, Salleh cited the education sector as an example of successfully balanced representation. 'When I was Chief Minister, I introduced a scholarship quota system approved by the Cabinet — 40 per cent for Muslim Bumiputera, 40 per cent for non-Muslim Bumiputera, and 20 per cent for non-Bumiputera. 'However, despite the quota, everything remained merit-based. This is an example of what we have done before,' he explained.
New Straits Times
22-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sabah BN proposes new power-sharing formula
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) is exploring a new power-sharing formula that aims to ensure fair political representation among Sabah's diverse communities. Sabah Umno treasurer Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak said there are ongoing discussions within the coalition about the matters. "I would also like to mention the power-sharing system that BN is currently exploring. "It is not just a matter of power-sharing; we are also looking at political accommodation. "We feel that in any coalition, no party should act like a 'big brother'. "We should discuss so that we can consider Bumiputera as both Muslim Bumiputera and non-Muslim Bumiputera. "We need a formula that can satisfy everyone. "We will address this, and we are making a commitment to look into it," he said after officiating Sabah Umno Kota Kinabalu division meeting here. Salleh said BN is preparing a draft commitment for the people of Sabah to tackle the state's fundamental issues, which he personally pledges to lead. Asked about the specific formula he has in mind, Salleh said that discussions with coalition partners are still ongoing. However, he pointed to past models as a guide. "When we look at our past, we have ensured a formula that considers both Muslim Bumiputera and non-Muslim Bumiputera," he said. Recalling his tenure as former Sabah chief minister, Salleh cited the education sector as an example where balanced representation was successfully implemented. "When I was the Sabah chief minister, I came up with a formula for scholarship were approved by the cabinet. "I had a quota system back then where 40 per cent of scholarship were allocated to muslim Bumiputera, 40 per cent to non-Muslim Bumiputera, and 20 per cent non Bumiputera. "But everything was still merit-based, despite the quota. "This is an example of what we have done before," he said.
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah BN slams Jeffrey over 'federal arrogance' claim
Nik Mohd Nadzri KOTA KINABALU (May 16): Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) has fired back at Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan over his latest claims of 'federal arrogance,' saying the real issue lies with the state's leadership, not Putrajaya. Sabah BN Communications Director Nik Mohd Nadzri Nik Zawawi questioned Jeffrey's repeated accusations against the Federal Government, calling them a distraction from his failure to deliver tangible progress for the state. 'Datuk Seri Panglima Jeffrey Kitingan has once again chosen to point fingers at the Federal Government, claiming there is 'federal arrogance' towards Sabah. But the reality is that under the 2025 Budget, Sabah received RM6.7 billion in development allocation an increase from the previous year. That clearly shows the Federal Government's commitment to Sabah,' he said. Nik Mohd Nadzri said it was time state leaders stop deflecting blame and start showing results. 'If the allocations have been given, where are the outcomes? Why is Sabah still struggling with the same trio of problems — water, roads, and electricity? Isn't the majority of the allocation already channeled directly to state agencies and ministries?' he pointed out. 'So who is truly being arrogant? The Federal Government that provides, or the state leaders who fail to manage? asked Nik Mohd Nadzri. He criticised the frequent use of slogans like 'Sabah for Sabahans' when, he argued, those in power have little to show in terms of actual performance. 'Stop hiding behind slogans when performance is lacking. Don't blame the umbrella when you don't know how to dance,' he said. He noted that Jeffrey has held various positions over decades moving from opposition to government, and now serving as Deputy Chief Minister, but has reverted to the same narrative whenever challenged by the public. 'Every time the people demand results, he returns to the old drama: 'The Federation is arrogant. Sabah is oppressed,'' Nik Mohd Nadzri opined. He also rejected the logic behind the accusation of federal arrogance, pointing to consistent increases in Sabah's federal budget and ongoing development projects. 'If Putrajaya were truly arrogant, why does Sabah's budget keep increasing every year? Why do projects keep moving despite limited state revenue? Why does the Federal Government continue to assist a state led by someone like him?' he said, adding that the people are no longer easily swayed by political rhetoric. 'The people know the difference between leaders who work and those who just shout. Sabah does not need leaders who trade in emotions, it needs leaders who solve problems,' he said and reaffirmed BN Sabah's stand against divisive narratives and empty slogans, saying real strength lies in leadership that is efficient, accountable and built on integrity. 'Our problem today does not stem from Putrajaya, but from hands that have failed to manage the people's allocations with honesty and trust,' Nik Mohd Nadzri stressed adding, 'Federal arrogance is the excuse of those who fail to prove their own success.'
