United Sabah National Organisation
Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Sabah Bersatu |
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Abbreviation | USNO |
Founder | Mustapha Harun |
Founded | 1961 |
Dissolved | 1994 |
The United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) was a political party based in Sabah, Malaysia. The party was founded by Tun Mustapha, the third Chief Minister of Sabah. The party came into power after winning the 1967 state election. USNO remained in power until 1975 under Tun Mustapha's leadership, and until 1976 under Mohammad Said bin Keruak's leadership.
Prior to the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, USNO played a major role in cooperation with UPKO (United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation), led by Tun Fuad Stephens, and the Federation of Malaya, in attaining independence from Great Britain.
In 1975, USNO's secretary-general Harris Salleh quit the party and teamed up with UPKO to create a new party called BERJAYA. This new party defeated USNO in the 1976 state election to form government until 1985. USNO consistently continued to participate in state elections of 1981, 1985, 1986, and 1990, winning several state electorates, however never enough to form government again.
In 1994, USNO was de-registered by the federal registrar of societies. Six of its legislators joined the Sabah chapter of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) while the rest joined the opposition Parti Bersatu Sabah.