Sabah Umno intact, says chairman

Sabah Umno chairman Hajiji Noor described the report as mere speculation and reminded people that Umno and BN had brought much prosperity to Sabah in the past. (Youtube screengrab)

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno denied a report published by a local daily today that the party is set to formally dissolve on Dec 10.

The report had claimed there would be a mass exodus of most of Sabah Umno assemblymen, MPs, senators, divisional chiefs and senior leaders to become independent on that date.

Sabah Umno chairman Hajiji Noor described the report as mere speculation, intended to elicit responses that would further sensationalise political issues in Sabah and excite politically-charged Sabahans.

“The editor’s choice of harsh words is also intended to hit Umno below the belt.

“Sabah Umno is still very much intact and united.

“Social and community services and activities are being carried out as usual in many divisions in Sabah,” he said in a statement today.

Hajiji, who is also the Sulaman assemblyman, said it is unfair for the report to use words that are “too harsh” to criticise Umno as the party has contributed much to Sabah and its people.

He said Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) had brought much prosperity to the people in Sabah, regardless of their political ideologies, race and religious beliefs.

“GE14 is over. We should now focus on our daily work, more so with the current challenging economic situation in this country.

“Everyone in Sabah should work together to help make this country great again. We need to get our priorities correct,” he said.

The report, which was published today, claimed the exodus will be led by Hajiji but added that former chief minister Musa Aman and his brother, Anifah, and son Yamani Hafez will not be part of the group.

It also stated the group will support Pakatan Harapan and even sponsor PPBM, headed by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, to spread its wings to Sabah. -FMT