KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno is focusing its efforts on winning the upcoming state election, known as PRN17, prioritising unity and a clear purpose over past disputes.

Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, leader of both Sabah Barisan Nasional and Umno, asserted the party’s readiness with strong grassroots machinery, renewed energy, and a clear agenda aimed at restoring effective governance under strong national leadership.

“Our mission is singular and urgent, to win the state election. And we are ready with solid grassroots machinery, renewed energy, and a clear agenda to restore dignity and deliver effective governance under a strong national leadership,” he stated on Thursday (July 17).

Addressing recent remarks by fellow Sabah Umno leader Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, Bung Moktar emphasised that while differing opinions exist, the party’s focus should remain on the future rather than past events.

He noted that Abdul Rahman had referenced events from 2022, reflecting past internal differences, but clarified that the decisions then were made through collective consensus.

“Politics naturally involves differences. What matters is how we resolve them. That episode is behind us. We respect the past, but we are not prisoners of it,” he said.

Bung Moktar also criticised certain media outlets for reviving old narratives for their own purposes.

“Let me be clear, Sabah Umno is united, focused, and fully committed as one team heading into PRN17,” he added.

He reiterated the party’s dedication to providing real solutions that address the people’s needs, rather than getting entangled in old political drama.

“In today’s political landscape, whether in Sabah, Malaysia, or globally, the public values those who offer solutions, not those stuck in the past. That is why Sabah Umno chooses to be part of the solution, part of the future,” he concluded.