“There is no division within Sabah Umno,” Zahid told reporters after opening the Sepanggar Umno convention in the afternoon, Bernama reported.

“Bung had another programme to attend this morning,” Zahid was quoted as saying.

In the morning, the party president opened the divisional assembly of Tuaran Umno, which is led by Sabah Umno deputy chief Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

Zahid then opened the Sepanggar Umno divisional convention in the afternoon, at which Bung was present, together with Sepanggar divisional chief Yakub Khan.

Zahid said Sabah Umno was focussed on uniting its leadership and strengthening its machinery, especially in preparation for the coming state assembly elections.

He said it was time for Sabah Umno to abandon conventional election strategies and adopt new methods that can attract support, particularly from young voters.

“If we had implemented this earlier and intensified our efforts, I am confident we could have changed the previously negative perceptions to positive ones,” he said.

When asked about the presence of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Hajiji Noor at this morning’s event, and their camaraderie, Zahid said Hajiji is an old friend from his time in the United Sabah National Organisation.

“My principle is that someone’s enemy is their enemy, and someone’s friend is my friend. Even though we may seem like strange bedfellows, we share a common dream,” he said.

He said all parties in the unity government must support the ruling coalition, especially at the national level, and work together to resolve any state-level issues.

“I took a soft approach in Tuaran earlier. My principle is that we want to be friends with everyone. On cooperation for the state election, I will announce the decision when the time comes,” he said.

GRS, a coalition of several local parties, forms the state government in Sabah with the support of Pakatan Harapan and four Umno assemblymen, while the opposition comprises Warisan and nine other Umno assembly members.