In preparation for the upcoming Sabah state election, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) is in the process of updating its statutory declaration (SD) document for all party candidates. The move aims to reflect current political realities and strengthen internal party commitments ahead of what is expected to be a critical state contest.
Legal Team Takes Charge of Updates
UMNO’s Secretary-General, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, confirmed that the legal team is actively working on refining the statutory declaration template. He noted that the task is being handled under the supervision of the party’s legal experts and includes contributions from UMNO Information Chief, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, a senior legal practitioner and politician.
Dr Asyraf emphasized that while the foundational framework of the SD remains unchanged, several key clauses are being refined to better align with the evolving political landscape in Malaysia, especially in Sabah. “We are not changing the whole document, but we are making improvements that reflect the latest political context,” he said.
Enhancements Based on Current Political Climate
The statutory declaration is a critical legal document that party candidates are required to sign, pledging their loyalty and adherence to the party’s principles, decisions, and leadership direction. According to Dr Asyraf, the enhancements being introduced are meant to ensure that candidates remain fully committed to UMNO’s mission and that internal stability is preserved even amidst complex political dynamics.
“For the Sabah state election, we will use the same SD template that we used in the last general election. However, we are including specific improvements that take into account the latest developments and challenges in Sabah’s political environment,” he explained.
He added that the original statutory declaration, which was implemented during the 15th General Election (GE15), still holds legal and moral weight, but some refinement is necessary for clarity and enforceability in the context of state-level contests.
Learning from Past Experiences
The move to update the SD is also seen as a precautionary measure following the political turbulence in recent years, including instances of party-hopping, defections, and shifting allegiances that have destabilized both state and federal administrations. Sabah, in particular, has been a hotspot for political reshuffling, making the need for clearer party discipline more pressing.
UMNO’s leadership believes that strengthening the SD will provide a legal and ethical framework to deter potential defections and ensure unity among elected representatives. “This is about accountability and commitment. The party must protect its mandate and its voters from betrayal,” Dr Asyraf said.
Commitment to Sabah and Grassroots Engagement
Dr Asyraf made these remarks while officiating the UMNO Division Meeting in Machang, held at the Pusat Transformasi Ilmu in Bukit Tiu. The meeting was part of the party’s broader effort to engage with grassroots members and prepare local machinery for upcoming electoral battles.
He stressed that UMNO is fully committed to representing the interests of Sabahans and will ensure that only trustworthy and dedicated candidates are fielded. “We want to make sure that every UMNO candidate understands the weight of their responsibility. Signing the SD is not just a formality—it’s a solemn promise to the party and the people,” he said.
Upholding Party Discipline and Unity
One of the key purposes of the statutory declaration is to maintain party unity, particularly after elections when temptations for political maneuvering often arise. Dr Asyraf noted that UMNO, having learned from past political setbacks, is determined to instill greater discipline within its ranks.
“The SD is a tool for unity. It reminds our candidates that loyalty is not optional—it’s the foundation of our strength,” he said. He further stated that those who breach the SD could face legal consequences or disciplinary action from the party, depending on the terms specified in the document.
Azalina’s Role in Legal Structuring
Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, UMNO’s Information Chief and a trained lawyer, has played a key role in helping draft and enhance the statutory declaration. Her legal acumen has contributed to crafting a document that not only holds moral authority but also possesses legal enforceability, if challenged.
Her involvement reflects UMNO’s commitment to ensuring that its candidates are bound by a legally sound agreement that can act as a deterrent to unethical political behavior.
Looking Ahead to the Sabah Election
With Sabah’s political scene remaining fluid and competitive, UMNO’s early preparations, including the refinement of the statutory declaration, signal the party’s seriousness in contesting the upcoming polls. The election is expected to be a closely watched battle, with multiple parties vying for influence in a region long known for its political complexity.
Dr Asyraf concluded his statement by reaffirming the party’s readiness and resolve. “UMNO is ready for the Sabah state election. We are preparing not only our strategy and our machinery, but also the integrity and discipline of our candidates. That is what the people deserve,” he said.
Conclusion
As the Sabah state election looms, UMNO’s initiative to update its statutory declaration marks a significant step in reinforcing party discipline and protecting political mandates. With contributions from senior legal minds and the full backing of party leadership, the revised SD is expected to serve as a strong foundation for ethical political conduct, ensuring that elected representatives remain faithful to the trust placed in them by the public.
