UMNO is ready to form alliances with other political parties but wants to be the dominant force in the upcoming Sabah state election.

Its president Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party’s priority is to secure a decisive victory while staying open to potential collaborations.

“A manifesto is not a holy book, but once a promise is made, it must be kept.

“BN and Umno — don’t worry about which coalition to join, whether PH, GRS, or any other party. What matters is that Umno must be dominant in the election.

“We are willing to collaborate as long as the interests of the people of Sabah come first,” he said.

Zahid made these remarks during his speech at Umno Sabah’s 34th Anniversary celebration at the Tawau Sports Complex on Sunday.

Rumours are swirling that political parties in Sabah should follow the Madani government’s approach, where PH and BN form an electoral pact for the state election.

While GRS is also part of the Madani government, Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has ruled out cooperating with the state-based ruling alliance.

He also highlighted Umno Sabah’s resilience, recalling the challenges the party faced in 2018 amid speculation of its dissolution.

Despite this, Umno maintained its presence in Sabah.

Zahid expressed confidence in the leadership of Seri Bung Moktar, to steer the party towards a dominant victory.