Bung Moktar: BN Sabah never defeated during polls, 2018 fall caused by defections

KOTA KINABALU (Oct 8): Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah has never been defeated through the ballot box, said chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin.

He pointed out that the fall of the BN government in 2018 was caused by defections, not by the rejection of voters.

Bung Moktar said the change of government then did not reflect the will of the people, but rather the betrayal of several state elected representatives who switched allegiance after the election results were announced.

“Those who defected refused to remain loyal to the BN federal government, which at that time had become the opposition,” he said in a statement.

“Their actions not only destabilised the state’s political landscape but also betrayed the people’s mandate, which had democratically chosen BN as the majority party through a legitimate electoral process.”

The Umno Sabah chief and Kinabatangan MP described the 2018 episode as a dark chapter in Sabah’s political history, which should serve as a lasting reminder to the people never to allow the state’s future to be determined by the politics of defection.

“Modern politics is no longer about who holds power, but about legitimacy and trust. When a government changes not because of the people’s will, but through betrayal of their mandate, what collapses is not merely a government, but the very institutions, moral fabric, and political dignity of the state itself,” he stressed.

Bung Moktar, who is also Lamag assemblyman, said Sabah is currently experiencing what he termed as “democratic fatigue”, a weariness among the people towards politics lacking in principles and consistency.

“Every episode of defection is not just political drama; it injures the social contract between the people and their leaders. A government born out of betrayal can never inspire confidence. And without confidence, there can be no lasting stability,” he opined.

He emphasised that true stability does not come from slogans but from leadership integrity and institutional strength.

“Umno and BN embody two essential pillars of modern governance, policy consistency, and institutional continuity. Development cannot be built upon political chaos. Investments require stability, policies demand continuity, and the people need confidence,” he said.

“Enough with experimental politics. Sabah needs firmness in policy, visionary leadership, and governance grounded in reason.”

Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor announced the dissolution of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Monday following much speculation, particularly over the past few weeks.

The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman made the announcement during a meeting with state government elected representatives, paving the way for the 17th Sabah State Election to be held within 60 days.