Umno Sabah strengthening party, not concerned with Bersatu's move – Jainab
KOTA KINABALU: News of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's (Bersatu) impending foray into Sabah is not surprising but had long been expected, said Sabah Umno Wanita chief Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid.
The former state minister, who is also Umno Wanita Exco, said that Umno Sabah is currently busy holding preparatory meetings at branches in all 25 divisions in Sabah.
Jainab, who said that Sabah Umno was in the process of empowering the party with the autonomy given, commented on Bersatu's announcement to spread its wings to Sabah.
“Our party (Umno Sabah) does not want to think about it, but the main focus now is to continue strengthening the party,” she said in a press statement yesterday.
She said Sabah Umno is currently focusing on strengthening the party and updating the membership at branch and division levels.
“Although Umno Sabah is now the opposition, we will continue to defend the interests of the Sabah natives and bumiputeras overall, she said.
According to Jainab, the status of the natives was important to the people of Sabah because the natives are bumiputeras, but the bumiputeras do not necessarily have the status of a native.
She stressed that Umno Sabah's struggle is for the dignity of the nation and the state from the past, now and forever.
“This is the fundamental principle that Umno Sabah has championed in the context of upholding the autonomy for Sabah,” she added.