Sabah Umno deputy chief Abdul Rahman Dahlan has rubbished claims that he is not on good terms with his chief Bung Moktar Radin, insisting that together, they make a solid team.
The former federal minister, who was named Barisan Nasional’s (BN) candidate for Tempasuk in the upcoming state election, said they differed on certain issues, describing such differences as a norm in political parties.
However, he said this had not prevented them from working together.
He said he and Bung, the Sabah BN chairman, were on the same page when it came to helping the coalition win the state polls on Nov 29.
“If you look at our history, there are no issues between us. We shared the same stage during the Kimanis by-election in 2020. We have different approaches, but it is a minor issue and we have set it aside.
“Moving forward, we are a solid team and our focus is on helping Umno win the state election,” he told FMT.
Rahman’s remarks follow speculation that he and Bung, who will be defending the Lamag seat, are at loggerheads given several incidents over the past few years.
Last year, Rahman invited Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Hajiji Noor, whom Bung attempted to oust in a failed coup two years ago, to the officiating of a divisional meeting by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
In March this year, they traded barbs over where Rahman might be fielded as a candidate in the state election.
Two months later, Bung told Rahman to stop dwelling on the past, particularly the Kinabalu Move that Bung led in 2023.
It was also previously reported that Bung and Rahman had buried the hatchet ahead of the Sabah polls in 2020.
In August of that year, Rahman led 12 Sabah Umno division chiefs in opposing Bung’s appointment to lead Sabah BN, saying it was not discussed and went against the full autonomy granted to Sabah Umno last year.
Commenting on the upcoming polls, Rahman said Umno’s chances did not hinge solely on him and Bung, despite claims that the election would be a litmus test for their partnership.
He said Sabah Umno’s line-up comprised a host of experienced leaders and young faces, describing the 41 candidates unveiled on Sunday as a “fresh and balanced” selection.
“This combination will help revive Sabah Umno,” he said.
