Bung, a former deputy chief minister, said their differences have not led to outright division within Sabah Umno.

“It’s true that there exists differences of opinion in Sabah Umno, but you will find that in any political party. The difference is that, in Sabah Umno, our differences do not lead to full-blown discord.

“As the state Umno chairman, I celebrate differences in opinions. That’s why if there are such views, I choose not to respond in public even if I disagree with them.

“Instead, I respond during internal discussions. And when a decision is agreed upon, we all respect it,” he told FMT.

Bung and Rahman locked horns last year after Rahman invited Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Hajiji Noor to a divisional meeting also attended by Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In March, they clashed again over where Rahman may be fielded as a candidate in the state election.

Rahman hinted at stepping aside if Umno decided not to nominate him for the polls. Bung responded cynically by saying Sabah Umno was prepared to field him as a candidate in Sulaman, the seat held by Hajiji, the chief minister, since 1990.

On Sunday, Zahid said there were “no more factions” in Sabah Umno and that internal disputes were among the reasons why they lost previous general elections.

Bung said Sabah BN was focused on preparing for the upcoming state election and did not want to be distracted by other parties claiming that Sabah Umno was torn in two.