Former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak said Umno’s future in Sabah will depend on its willingness to accept a smaller role within the state’s evolving political landscape.
In a statement, Salleh said Sabah Umno can no longer position itself as the dominant political force but must instead function as a supporting component within coalitions led by local parties.
The Sabah Umno treasurer noted that the party originally entered Sabah in 1991 at the invitation of the late Mustapha Harun to strengthen Bumiputera Muslim political unity.
However, he said political support among Bumiputera communities has since become increasingly fragmented across several political blocs.
“Sabah Umno now serves more as a complementary force that supports a state administration anchored by local party coalitions,” he said.
Salleh stressed that the party’s future strength would depend on its ability to adapt to current political realities, work collaboratively with other local parties, and focus on Sabah’s development as well as the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He previously urged Umno leaders to reassess the party’s direction in Sabah and make decisions based on the state’s current political environment rather than past influence.
During the state election held on Nov 29 last year, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Warisan emerged with the highest number of seats, while Barisan Nasional secured only six seats.
Meanwhile, People’s Justice Party lost two traditional strongholds and Democratic Action Party failed to win any seats.
The election ended in a hung assembly after no coalition managed to secure the required 37-seat majority, with GRS taking the lead in post-election negotiations.
