New parties no threat in Sabah: Zahid

SANDAKAN: The establishment of new parties will not threaten Sabah as the "fixed deposit" of Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN), says Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The deputy prime minister said Sabah Umno had shown good performance to continue being a stronghold and "fixed deposit" for Umno and BN.
"Let the rains come, let the waves pound, let the storms sweep in ... Umno and BN will still prevail in Sabah, the Land Below the Wind.
"With the solidarity and unity among Umno and BN members, especially in Sabah, I am confident the state will continue to be our 'fixed deposit'," he said when opening the Sabah Zone Five Umno simultaneous meetings here today.
Zone Five comprises Libaran, Sandakan, Batu Sapi, Beluran and Kinabatangan Umno divisions.
Also present were Sabah Chief Minister and Libaran Umno division head Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Sandakan Umno division head Tan Sri Ampung Puyun, Kinabatangan Umno division head Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, Batu Sapi Umno division head Datuk Samsudin Yahya and Beluran Umno division head Datuk James Ratib.
In this regard, Ahmad Zahid stressed the importance of unity and solidarity among party members and leaders.
"If we are united, let whatever come, whoever the leader is, there is no need to condemn this or that person. The challenge can be conquered if we are together and united," he said.
Ahmad Zahid reminded all Umno members and leaders not to take the question of solidarity lightly, especially when facing the formation of a new party.
He said the political history of the state showed when Usno was the ruling party, there was anger so a new party was formed and went on to win the election.
"The question of solidarity among us should be top priority as the history of Sabah has proven that solidarity and unity are of utmost importance," he added.
He also reminded all Umno leaders to look after members at the grassroots and not when there was an election, party division selection or Supreme Council election approaching.
He said they should diligently go to the ground to look after the wellbeing of grassroots members who were voters for them to become top leaders.
"Do no feel one is great after years being a top leader. Do not be arrogant or ignore the welfare of grassroots members," he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is carrying out the duties of Umno deputy president, said all Umno leaders should place the struggles of the party above self-interest. — Bernama