KOTA KINABALU, May 20 -- Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin has welcomed calls for unity among state leaders but urged that such efforts be grounded in historical reality and not just sentiment.

In a press statement on Tuesday, Bung said political stability and the progress of the people must remain the priority, adding that Umno Sabah supports initiatives that aim to move the state forward.

However, he stressed that any vision for unity must be based on honest reflection and a clear understanding of Sabah's political journey.

"From 1963 to 1994, Sabah was governed by local parties. However, those years saw minimal development, as political infighting and power struggles among local parties diverted attention from g...