SANDAKAN: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has paid tribute to Sabah Umno leaders who remained loyal to the party even when it lost power.
He cited how Umno and Barisan Nasional suffered nationwide in the 14th General Election but managed to maintain its grip on Sabah.
However, he said Sabah Umno ultimately lost because of party hopping caused by some leaders who prioritised personal interests and this nearly caused Umno's collapse in Sabah.
"Fortunately, we still have loyal leaders like Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and others, who have worked to restore Umno's image and counter those seeking Umno's end in Sabah," he said when opening the Kinabatangan Umno division meeting yesterday.
Present were Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar, the state chapter's secretary Datuk Jafry Arifin and information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir.
In his speech, Johari said Umno expanded into Sabah at the request of local leaders who sought stability.
"Umno came to Sabah to work with its people to create political strength and foster development.
"Once Umno established itself in Sabah and led the state government, the pace of development was markedly faster than before," he added.
Johari said Umno has a proven track record in Sabah and urged Sabahans to back the party and Barisan Nasional in the interest of political stability and sustainable development.