SABAH Umno must first strengthen the party’s machinery rather than think about who to partner up with for the upcoming state election, says Bung Moktar Radin.

The Sabah Barisan Nasional chief urged members to improve the party internally, saying that other parties would naturally look at them if the party was strong and united.

“There is no use thinking about the cooperation with other parties if our machinery is weak and unorganised,” he said when closing the Papar Umno division retreat on Sunday (Oct 20).

“What is important is our preparation. If our machinery is strong then others will respect us, and in fact, would want to work with Umno.

“If we fail to overcome or fix any shortcomings, then it will invite defeat,” added Bung Moktar who is also Sabah Umno chief.

The former deputy chief minister noted, however, that Sabah Umno would welcome cooperation with political parties or alliances that respected their partners.

He said they had learned a lot from their past experiences, adding any cooperation must not put Umno at a disadvantage.

Recently, Bung Moktar and Umno president Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Barisan was ready to collaborate with Pakatan Harapan under the national unity government framework in the coming state election which could be held anytime within the next 12 months.

However, Bung Moktar has yet to say if Sabah Barisan would work with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) helmed by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.