KOTA KINABALU: The key for Sabah Umno to replicate its glorious past is to have candidates who are adored and dependable by the people.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Borneo Geopolitics electoral studies lecturer Dr Syahruddin Awang Ahmad said the political culture in Sabah shows an aspect of fondness toward local politicians.
He said the elements of political ideology and hegemonic factors of the party itself as it will somehow or rather work for peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.
" Sabah Umno has to do something astounding in terms of applying tactical moves to regain seats which were once won by its candidates.
"This can be done by placing the right candidate whom people see as credible, who are not only known to the grassroots but also to the community at large.
"And these candidates are not necessarily among the existing Umno leaders but may be conscripted among social activists, native chiefs and any influential person in such an area."
Sabah Umno lost its lawmakers when the party was involved in the Kinabalu Move intended to topple Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's government in January 2023.
Amidst the crisis, four Umno Sabah members, Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (Tanjung Keramat), Datuk Jasnih Daya (Pantai Dalit), Datuk James Ratib (Sugut) and Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (Tempasuk) declared their continued support of Hajiji until his term expired and denounced Bung's decision.
As a result, Shahelmey was suspended for six years by Umno's Supreme Council for backing Hajiji, while James, Jasnih, Arshad and Balung assemblyman Datuk Hamid Awang joined Gabungan Rakyat Sabah camp.
Yesterday, Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin had said the party needs to rise and reclaim its dignity in the upcoming 17th state election by regaining the seats from Umno leaders who have now joined Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Syahruddin said the remaining existing Sabah Umno leaders need to convince grassroots and all voters that they are still relevant and manage to work for the people.
"This is an essential message for the Umno leaders to divert the attention of some grassroots from the issue of Umno leadership, ideological conflict at every level especially in the unity government as perceived by most of the people as well as the issue of power dominance at state and federal government.
"Existing Umno leaders also need to be with the people more often in all matters, especially in this current uncertain economic situation in order to regain trust particularly on Umno's ability as a party which was once known as formidable to its friends and foes."
When asked on the rumours of Sabah Umno teaming up with Parti Warisan, he added it would be a bonus for both,
"The strategy would benefit the majority from the eastern part of Sabah as Warisan's stronghold mainly in the area would help Umno in terms of confidence and strength to become a promising new government of Sabah."
Meanwhile, UMS) political analyst Associate Professor Dr. Lee Kuok Tiung said Umno is no longer the most valiant party in Malaysia at this point despite having a history of excellence that is difficult to match with any other party.
He said a winnable candidate is often influenced by various factors such as the candidate, party and current sentiment.
"The 14th General Election sentiment rejected Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and the 15th General Election gave Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim a chance to become Prime Minister.
"Some followers left the party to follow their leaders (to other direction). For example, Semporna used to be a stronghold of Sabah Umno. But when Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal left Umno, all his followers followed him to Warisan," he said.
Lee also said Umno's strategy in choosing partners could also determine its fate when it chose Perikatan Nasional and Pas in the 16th Sabah Election.
"Anyway, it's a long way to go. There is still a year and a half."