Latest news with #SepanggarUmnoGerak17
Daily Express
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Zahid defends stance on ‘Sabah for Sabahans'
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: 'As a country formed on the spirit of Malaysian unity, why must we raise such divisive matters when we need each other? This kind of regionalist sentiment is extremely limited in vision. We cannot afford to think in such narrow terms that separate us rather than unite us,' Zahid added. Kota Kinabalu: Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi defended his stance on the 'Sabah for Sabahans' slogan, which he says promotes narrow-mindedness. 'We should not harbour strong regionalist feelings,' said Zahid, who launched the Sepanggar Umno Gerak 17 event at IKM, Saturday. Advertisement 'Why raise such matters when we need each other?' he told a media conference when asked about his previous comments that reportedly offended many Sabah leaders when he said the 'Sabah for Sabahans' slogan was divisive and counterproductive. The Deputy Prime Minister said Malaysia was formed in the spirit of national unity, which should remain the primary focus. 'We must underline that progress between states requires mutual support. Do not think too narrowly,' he added. 'As a country formed on the spirit of Malaysian unity, why must we raise such divisive matters when we need each other? This kind of regionalist sentiment is extremely limited in vision. We cannot afford to think in such narrow terms that separate us rather than unite us,' he added. Advertisement Zahid said his position was not meant to dismiss local concerns, but rather to encourage a broader perspective that recognises the interdependence of all Malaysian states. Addressing political cooperation ahead of 17th Sabah Election, Zahid said BN-PH++ coalition discussions remain ongoing. 'We have not finalised cooperation with other parties yet. We never close our doors, and certainly, other party colleagues are not closing theirs either,' he said. The Umno President cited a global political trend where dominant single-party governments are becoming rare. 'In 77 countries worldwide, when they hold general or presidential elections, there are no dominant parties. They are forced to merge with smaller parties and former opposition parties. This is a common practice in other countries.' Citing Malaysia's 15th General Election, Zahid noted that despite Umno being the largest party in the country, it won few seats but still contributed to forming the current Federal Government. 'I see the same trend possibly happening in Sabah. No party should feel too confident about being dominant and not needing cooperation with others,' he said. Additionally, he cautioned parties considering solo contests, saying, 'They should recognise this is a global trend and I believe it will also happen in Sabah.' When questioned about the decision-making process for political cooperation, Zahid said Sabah Umno has been granted autonomy. 'We give autonomous power to Sabah Umno and we have confidence in Sabah Umno's leadership. However, nothing is non-negotiable,' he said. He expressed confidence in Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's ability to consider a more holistic approach in forming a government with other allies in Sabah. Zahid maintained that cooperation discussions remain open, with BN-PH looking to find the best partners to form the government in Sabah. On the status of certain Sabah Umno leaders who have conflicting views with Sabah Umno, Zahid said they have been suspended rather than expelled from the party. When asked about their chances of contesting again as candidates, he said that would depend on Bung's wisdom. For the record, several Sabah Umno leaders were suspended after choosing to remain with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor during the 2023 Sabah political crisis, including Datuk Shahelmey Yahya. Another Barisan Assemblyman and MP, Datuk Andy Muhammad Suryady Bandy, of Tanjung Batu, has also reportedly been suspended from the party. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Zahid: 'Sabah for Sabahan' slogan too narrow-minded
Published on: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 17, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi defended his criticism of the 'Sabah for Sabahan' slogan, calling it narrow-minded and divisive. 'We should not harbor strong regionalist feelings,' he said at the Sepanggar Umno Gerak 17 event on Saturday. Advertisement Zahid stressed Malaysia was built on unity and interdependence, urging leaders not to adopt divisive mindsets. He clarified his stance wasn't to dismiss local concerns but to encourage broader national solidarity. On political cooperation ahead of Sabah's 17th state election, Zahid said BN-PH discussions are ongoing. He noted global trends show coalition governments are now the norm, and no party should assume it can win alone. 'Even Umno, the largest party, had to form alliances after GE15,' he said, cautioning against solo attempts in Sabah. Advertisement Zahid added Sabah Umno has autonomy but cooperation decisions remain open for negotiation. He expressed confidence in Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin to lead a broad coalition. As for suspended Sabah Umno leaders, Zahid said their candidacy would depend on Bung Moktar's judgment. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Zahid: Shahelmey's Umno membership still suspended, candidacy up to Sabah leadership
Zahid (second left) and Bung (second right) during the launching of the Sepanggar Umno Gerak 17 machinery at the IKM Institute on Saturday. KOTA KINABALU (May 17): Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya's membership in Umno remains suspended, confirmed Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He clarified that Shahelmey, along with several other Umno members currently serving in the Sabah state government, has neither been expelled from the party nor voluntarily resigned. 'Datuk Shahelmey and the others did not leave Umno, and they were not dismissed. Their status is suspended,' Zahid told reporters. He was responding to questions on whether Shahelmey and the others would be allowed to contest in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17). Zahid said the matter would ultimately be decided by the state Umno leadership. 'Whether they will contest again or not, that depends on the wisdom of Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin,' he said after launching the Sepanggar Umno Gerak 17 machinery at the Industrial Training Institute (IKM)in Sepanggar on Saturday. Also present was Sabah Umno chief Datuk Bung Moktar Radin.
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
BN-PH Plus Plus Plus possible - Zahid
Zahid KOTA KINABALU (May 17): The proposal to form a Barisan Nasional (BN)–Pakatan Harapan (PH) Plus Plus Plus coalition for the 17th state election (PRN17) reflects the current political landscape, where no single party is strong enough to form a government alone, said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He noted that similar trends are unfolding globally, with coalitions — comprising both major and smaller parties — becoming increasingly common in 77 countries. 'What we see at the federal level, where parties collaborate to form a government, is also happening elsewhere. This may also happen in Sabah,' he said after launching the Sepanggar Umno Gerak 17 machinery at the IKM Institute in Sepanggar on Saturday. However, Zahid emphasized that the final decision rests with Sabah Umno which has been granted autonomy. 'The proposed BN–PH Plus Plus Plus coalition has not been finalised. We've always kept the door open for discussions and are ready to work with other parties in preparation for PRN17,' he said. He cited the outcome of the 15th General Election (GE15) as a reminder that no party, including Umno, was dominant enough to form a government on its own. 'Umno secured only a small number of seats in GE15, yet those seats played a pivotal role in forming the current federal government. No party should feel too dominant or unwilling to collaborate,' he added. Zahid reiterated that Umno remains open to talks with any party up until nomination day for PRN17 and affirmed that Sabah Umno will make its own decisions. 'We have entrusted full autonomy to Sabah Umno. I am confident that under Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's leadership, he will engage not only with local parties in Sabah but also maintain communication with us in Putrajaya,' he said. When asked about the 'Sabah for Sabahans' sentiment, Zahid questioned the relevance of such rhetoric, urging Malaysians to prioritize mutual cooperation instead.
