KOTA KINABALU: Umno is not a peninsular-based party but is more to a national one, said its president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
"Umno had no intention to enter Sabah; however, it was the people of Sabah who invited Umno to expand together in the state.
"We saw the late Tun Datu Mustapha (Datu Harun) and USNO leadership when there were intentions of wanting the people of Sabah and those from the peninsula to come together.
"When Sabah Umno was formed, I was the then Umno Youth information chief and I came to Sabah with others. I personally brought the membership forms for the people to join the party.
"With the hardwork and unity of Sabah, Umno became glorious and became the government," he said during the launch of Sabah Umno divisions convention at a hotel here.
However, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the deputy Prime Minister, said that Umno has been facing challenges for the past seven years since 2018.
On Dec 12, 2018, 13 assemblymen and 21 division chiefs had left Sabah Umno.
He also said the state party has been facing several challenges including financially.
"Between 2018 and 2024, we are facing various challenges. In Sabah, the situation is even worse, but the word is loyalty. I really appreciate Sabah Umno leadership especially (its chief) Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin who is loyal to Umno.
"There are people who go into two or three 'ponds' just to save themselves. But loyalty of party members would return the glory of Umno.
"If there is a significant event like a state election this year, possibly in the midyear, third quarter, or even later next year, and if the current uplifted spirits persist, not only will Putatan be on our side, but victory in other divisions will also lean in our favour," he said, hinting that Putatan Umno division chief Jeffery Nor Mohamed and state Umno election director could potentially stand for the Putatan constituency.
The incumbent Putatan member of parliament and Tanjung Keramat assemblyman Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who contested as Umno candidate, had his membership suspended after he defied order from Bung to withdraw support towards Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Present at the event were Umno Supreme Council member Zambry Abdul Kadir and Sabah Umno secretary Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
