00:00 Two analysts view UMNO President Ahmad Zayed Hamidi's decision to delay an electoral pact
00:07 for the upcoming Sabah state post as a step to appease Gamungan Rakyat Sabah.
00:12 Jeniri Amir, a fellow at the Council of Professors, said Zayed's decision to strike a deal only
00:18 after the state assembly is dissolved aims to preserve his party's relationship with
00:22 the Sabah bloc in Anwar Ibrahim's administration.
00:27 Both he and University of Malaysia Sabah's Lee Kiok Teong agreed that Zayed's decision
00:31 was not influenced by the Dubai move and alleged plot to topple Anwar.
00:36 Jeniri said this was more of a strategic move to ensure that UMNO can remain in power after
00:42 the next state election.
00:44 Meanwhile Lee said Zayed would not want to close the opportunity for cooperation with
00:48 other prospects and was keen to avoid hostility or prejudice for now.
00:53 On Tuesday, Zayed said UMNO was open to a pact with any party for the state election.
00:58 However, he said a decision would only be made after the state assembly is dissolved.
01:03 Chief Minister Haji Jinnur recently hinted at the possibility of the next state election
01:08 being held this year.
01:09 (upbeat music)
01:12 (upbeat music)
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