Politics is pragmatic, Zahid says over Sabah political tension

Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi dismissed the notion of an ongoing internal political tension on the basis that politics is pragmatic.

“We can all have our own stand. But politics is pragmatic and alliances can happen between any political party,” he said.

He was asked whether Umno Sabah would forgo the national alliance’s relationship with the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition to work with the opposition Parti Warisan Sabah in the state election due by December 2025.

“I would also say that we are ready to work with any parties, big or small. The important thing is that there is no slogan or movement harping on about local parties or national parties.

“We as a country need to have an open mind. It does not matter where we are from as long as we can represent the people and develop the country while looking after the people’s welfare,” said Zahid who is also Deputy Prime Minister at Upko’s Christmas open house in Taginambur, Kadamaian here.

Warisan is supporting the government at federal level.

“We expect the next state election to be in Sabah, and even though it is only due by December next year, it is not wrong to start preparations early,” he said, while insisting that any speculation about internal strife within the party is non-existent.

He also pointed out Sabah Umno has been given autonomy to decide as stipulated in the party constitution.