Tok Mat: Umno, BN open to working with Sabah parties in state polls
TANGKAK: Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) are open to forging alliances with Sabah-based parties for the coming state election.
Umno Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that BN recognised the need to work with other parties.
"We can no longer go it alone. We need other partners to face this state election," he said, adding BN has already agreed to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the polls.
He added that the coalition was also exploring cooperation with local parties.
"We want to enter the Sabah state election as a strong team, not one that is forced to fend off all sorts of things," he said after officiating the Ledang Umno divisional meeting here today.
Mohamad said a strong team would ensure voters are not confused when giving their support, thus enabling them to govern the state.
Previously, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) rejected political cooperation with BN in this state election. PBS was a former BN component party before leaving the coalition after the 14th General Election, following BN's defeat.
The Sabah State Legislative Assembly is scheduled to be automatically dissolved on Nov 11 this year.
Earlier this week, Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin denied inviting PBS to rejoin the coalition or work together in the coming election.
Previously, Sabah Umno chief Datuk Bung Moktar Radin denied inviting PBS to rejoin the coalition or proposing cooperation with the party.
This followed PBS' statement that the party would not work with BN in the polls.
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