Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today witnessed a reconciliation between rivalling Sabah Umno leaders Bung Moktar Radin and Abdul Rahman Dahlan ahead of the state elections due at the end of this month.
Taking to Twitter, Zahid, who is currently in Sabah, shared a photograph of him together with Bung, the Sabah Umno chief and Rahman, an Umno supreme council member.
Both were seen smiling and fist-bumping each other, two weeks after Rahman held a press conference to reject Bung's appointment as Sabah BN's election operations director.
"Celebrating differences of opinions and forgiving each other, that requires magnanimity and openness.
"DS Bung Moktar and DS Rahman Dahlan are the best examples," Zahid tweeted when sharing the photograph.
Zahid also shared another photograph of Bung, Rahman, Umno secretary-general Ahmad Maslan, Umno vice-president Mahdzir Khalid and Sabah Umno deputy state liaison chief Yaakob Khan, standing on a stage with their arms raised together.
"Set aside any differences, put an end to any conflict, work hard and carry out our team spirit to ensure BN's victory in the Sabah election.
"This is a second chance given to Umno and BN to continue fighting for the people," said Zahid, adding that this was his message to Sabah Umno during a gathering held in Ranau this morning.
When contacted, Bung confirmed that he had made peace with Rahman, who is also the Tuaran Umno chief.
"What happened in the past was a difference of opinion among leaders and we respect that in a positive manner. In the struggle, Umno leaders must have unity. Therefore, the mistakes must be forgotten," he told Malaysiakini.
"The time has come for Sabah Umno to cooperate as a team," he added.
Rahman similarly indicated his readiness to move on, taking to Twitter over the weekend, saying " [...] differences in opinions is a norm in politics."
"There is a time for disagreements, but right now, this is the time for BN and friends to win Sabah. For now, that is more important," he said on Saturday.
Last month, Rahman made a surprise appearance in Kuala Lumpur where he led a group of 12 Sabah Umno division leaders and their supporters to announce objections against Bung's appointment in leading BN's bid to reclaim the state.
The former minister described Bung's appointment as a "suicidal move" by BN as the latter was facing an ongoing corruption trial over RM2.8 million of bribes allegedly solicited during his tenure as Felcra chairperson.
Earlier that day, Zahid had announced Bung's appointment with him having full autonomy to manage the election including to nominate BN’s chief minister candidate should the coalition win the state elections on Sept 26.
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