KOTA KINABALU, Dec. 2 -- Sabah Umno should not be treated as a junior partner or "beggar" in the formation of the new state government, as the party holds the decisive numbers to determine who governs Sabah, said its Lahad Datu division chief Sharif Musa Sharif Mabul.

He said Umno's six seats have placed the party squarely in the position of kingmaker in the aftermath of the state election - and warned its partners and rivals alike against dismissing the party's role.

"We are not beggars. We are the kingmaker, and we sympathise with the difficult process of forming the government today.

"Don't flog BN until the cane breaks. We may not have a cane, but we have roots - and they hurt just the same when used to whip someone else," he said,...