By Qistina Sallehuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: Several agendas, including cooperation between Umno and Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the upcoming 17th Sabah state election, are among the matters to be discussed at the Umno Supreme Council meeting tonight.
The meeting, according to a source, will focus on extending the federal-level unity government framework to Sabah, ensuring both coalitions are aligned ahead of the crucial state polls.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the meeting will also touch on the introduction of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between political parties in the state to form a coalition for the election.
"This is crucial to ensure the stability of the government and to prevent party hopping after the election," the source told the New Straits Times.
Tonight's meeting is also expected to discuss a proposal to establish a joint secretariat between coalition parties that have agreed to work together in the upcoming state election.
The New Straits Times was also informed that a meeting between senior Sabah Umno leaders took place last night to discuss matters related to the state election.
"The outcome will be presented to the Supreme Council tonight for a decision.
"We hope to finalise any outstanding issues as part of preparations for the state election."
On April 13, Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin confirmed the coalition's collaboration with Sabah PH ahead of the 17th state election.
Bung said the decision was finalised during Sabah Umno's retreat last year.
He also said several informal discussions had already been held with Sabah PH leaders, and that official discussions would follow soon, given the approaching state election.
A day later, however, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said no official decision had yet been made regarding political cooperation between PH and BN in the Sabah polls.
Loke said matters relating to the cooperation would be discussed in an official meeting in the future.