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UMNO has yet to finalise any political alliance ahead of the upcoming Sabah state election (PRN), although discussions are underway, according to party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the Tanah Merah UMNO Division delegates’ meeting on Friday, Zahid said the party had begun preparations as early as last year in anticipation of the election.
“We’ve held discussions, but no decision has been finalised. That said, we’ve been ready since last year to face the Sabah state election,” he said.
Local media reports suggest the Sabah State Assembly (DUN) will be automatically dissolved on 11 November, triggering the 17th state election. In the last election in 2020, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, which included Perikatan Nasional (PN), secured 17 seats, Barisan Nasional (BN) won 14, and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) took seven, enabling GRS to form the state government with a total of 38 seats.
Federal Support to Kelantan
Separately, Zahid dismissed accusations by PAS leaders that Kelantan had long been sidelined in terms of development funding. He asserted that federal allocations have played a crucial role in the state’s infrastructure and disaster response.
“Without federal allocations, I believe Kelantan would be even further behind in development,” he said. “It’s impossible that Kelantan is neglected when each time the Prime Minister visits, new allocations are announced.”
Citing a recent incident, Zahid noted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had approved RM6.6 million in emergency funding following a landslide in the state. He added that federal support is consistently extended during major floods.
“I urge PAS leaders to get their facts straight and not mislead the people with misinformation,” he said, responding to PAS Vice-President Datuk Mohd Amar Abdullah’s claim on Facebook that Kelantan lacks a proper highway network and has had key projects delayed without explanation.
Drug Abuse Crisis in Kelantan
Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister and chair of the National Anti-Drugs Cabinet Committee, raised alarm over Kelantan’s persistent drug abuse problem.
According to statistics from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN), and Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), the state continues to record the highest number of drug-related cases nationwide.
“I’m quite disheartened that Kelantan still ‘leads’ in drug abuse across the country. This is not just the responsibility of one agency,” Zahid said, urging a more coordinated and accountable approach from all levels of leadership. - July 11, 2025