Former Sabah chief minister Salleh Said Keruak said Sabah Umno should position itself as a party that understands the state and its people by working closely with local parties, especially Gabungan Rakyat Sabah. Salleh said Sabah Umno should instead position itself as a party that understands the state and its people by working closely with local parties, especially chief minister Hajiji Noor’s Gabungan Rakyat Sabah. The Sabah Umno treasurer said working closely with a local partner like GRS was a straightforward formula for ensuring political stability, Sabah’s development, and the rights of the East Malaysian state. Salleh pointed to the outcome of the Sabah state election in November, where GRS won 29 seats while Warisan secured 25. “The message is clear: Sabah voters are increasingly influenced by state interests, autonomy, development, and Sabah rights.