Kota Kinabalu: Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi defended his stance on the “Sabah for Sabahans” slogan, which he says promotes narrow-mindedness.
“We should not harbour strong regionalist feelings,” said Zahid, who launched the Sepanggar Umno Gerak 17 event at IKM, Saturday.
“Why raise such matters when we need each other?” he told a media conference when asked about his previous comments that reportedly offended many Sabah leaders when he said the “Sabah for Sabahans” slogan was divisive and counterproductive.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Malaysia was formed in the spirit of national unity, which should remain the primary focus.
“We must underline that progress between states requires mutual support. Do not think too narrowly,” he added.
“As a country formed on the spirit of Malaysian unity, why must we raise such divisive matters when we need each other? This kind of regionalist sentiment is extremely limited in vision. We cannot afford to think in such narrow terms that separate us rather than unite us,” he added.
Zahid said his position was not meant to dismiss local concerns, but rather to encourage a broader perspective that recognises the interdependence of all Malaysian states.
Addressing political cooperation ahead of 17th Sabah Election, Zahid said BN-PH++ coalition discussions remain ongoing.
“We have not finalised cooperation with other parties yet. We never close our doors, and certainly, other party colleagues are not closing theirs either,” he said. The Umno President cited a global political trend where dominant single-party governments are becoming rare.
“In 77 countries worldwide, when they hold general or presidential elections, there are no dominant parties. They are forced to merge with smaller parties and former opposition parties. This is a common practice in other countries.”
Citing Malaysia’s 15th General Election, Zahid noted that despite Umno being the largest party in the country, it won few seats but still contributed to forming the current Federal Government.
“I see the same trend possibly happening in Sabah. No party should feel too confident about being dominant and not needing cooperation with others,” he said.
Additionally, he cautioned parties considering solo contests, saying, “They should recognise this is a global trend and I believe it will also happen in Sabah.”
When questioned about the decision-making process for political cooperation, Zahid said Sabah Umno has been granted autonomy.
“We give autonomous power to Sabah Umno and we have confidence in Sabah Umno’s leadership. However, nothing is non-negotiable,” he said.
He expressed confidence in Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s ability to consider a more holistic approach in forming a government with other allies in Sabah.
Zahid maintained that cooperation discussions remain open, with BN-PH looking to find the best partners to form the government in Sabah.
On the status of certain Sabah Umno leaders who have conflicting views with Sabah Umno, Zahid said they have been suspended rather than expelled from the party.
When asked about their chances of contesting again as candidates, he said that would depend on Bung’s wisdom.
For the record, several Sabah Umno leaders were suspended after choosing to remain with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor during the 2023 Sabah political crisis, including Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
Another Barisan Assemblyman and MP, Datuk Andy Muhammad Suryady Bandy, of Tanjung Batu, has also reportedly been suspended from the party.
