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UMNO president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed speculation of internal factions within UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah, assuring that the party is united as it prepares for the 17th Sabah state election (PRN17).
“There is no Bung Moktar faction, no Abdul Rahman faction, no Salleh Said faction, and no Yakubah Khan faction. We only have one team — BN Sabah,” Zahid declared during the launch of the UMNO Sabah Gerak 17 campaign for the Karambunai state constituency in Sepanggar yesterday.
His remarks appeared aimed at addressing persistent rumours of internal disagreements among Sabah UMNO’s top leadership.
Among the names often linked to alleged factionalism are UMNO Sabah chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, deputy chief and Tuaran UMNO division head Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan, party treasurer and former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, and UMNO Sepanggar chief Datuk Yakub Khan.
Zahid, who is also the chairman of Barisan Nasional, stressed that past election defeats had been due in part to internal squabbles and leadership egos.
“We have already lost twice because we were too preoccupied with our differences. Every leader has their ego, and the ones who suffer are the people. When elephants fight, it’s the mousedeer in the middle that dies,” he said, referencing a Malay proverb.
He urged party leaders to move past old divisions and focus on delivering victory. “We want to close that chapter and start a new one — and work in a way that ensures we win,” Zahid added.
He further noted that internal conflicts only harm the electorate, who are hoping for improved infrastructure and solutions to persistent issues such as water supply, electricity, and road access. - May 18, 2025