Salleh said several key strategies were discussed to help the party strengthen its presence within the local community and ensure it is fully prepared to face the elections.

“Our focus is on identifying and engaging with fence-sitters, as well as mobilising the youth, which will be critical in achieving our goals,” he said in a briefing for Kota Belud Umno members in Kota Kinabalu today.

He urged the members to “work as a cohesive team” to make Kota Belud a stronghold for the party.

The Kota Belud parliamentary constituency, currently held by Warisan’s Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis, comprises four state constituencies – Pintasan, Tempasuk, Usukan and Kadamaian.

Pintasan and Tempasuk are respectively held by Fairuz Renddan and Arsad Bistari of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, while Upko’s Ewon Benedick has the Kadamaian state seat.

Sabah chief minister Hajiji Noor has again hinted that the next state assembly elections could be held before the legislature term ends in September next year.

Hajiji said if he felt the elections should be called earlier, “then it will be earlier” – but not later than October next year.