PUTATAN: Sabah Umno will focus on preparing for the upcoming 14th General Election instead of the 13 additional state seats that have yet to be gazetted.
Sabah Umno secretary Yahya Hussin was responding to a recent statement by Parti Warisan Sabah vice-president Junz Wong, who said the Parliament’s failure to approve the additional seats could render the election in the state null and void.
In August 2016, the state legislative assembly voted in favour of the 13 new seats, which include Bengkoka, Mengaris, Pintasan, Pantai Dalit, Darau, Tanjung Dumpil, Dampai, Tulid, Telupid, Sungai Manila, Lamag, Segama, and Kukusan.
The amendment to Article 14 Clause (2) of the state constitution increased the number of Sabah state seats from 60 to 73.
“It is up to relevant authorities to give the okay and we will just wait for their signal.
“We are not so bothered about the gazetting as it is more important to emphasise on the preparedness of the party machinery,” he said after launching the Sailan district poll machinery at Kampung Ulu Putatan here today.
Yahya said Sabah Umno is prepared for the election but will double its efforts to ensure victory for the ruling coalition.
The Petagas assemblyman also said the party machinery has identified its voters and would take measures to ensure they cast their ballots on polling day.
On whether he will be fielded as a candidate, Yahya said Sabah Umno members would respect the decisions made by the top leadership.
“I will do what I can to help Umno win as many seats as possible.”
Earlier, he presented seven wheelchairs and 50 sets of groceries to the villagers of Kampung Ulu Putatan.