Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the coalition will not contest the coming 17th state election alone.
He said Sabah Umno has finalised its list of target seats and will collaborate with other parties, excluding those deemed to have betrayed it.
While respecting parties’ rights to solo campaigns, the Sabah Umno Chief stressed Umno’s commitment to BN’s dominance in any resulting coalition and their election preparedness.
“Final seat allocation awaits decisions from BN’s central leadership, involving discussions among PBRS and Umno presidents, and other coalition leaders.
“Although Sabah BN operates autonomously, the central leadership’s decisions will be paramount,” he said.
Bung said about 30pc of incumbent Umno assemblymen will defend their seats.
“While two candidates have already been announced – Datuk Seri Salleh Said for Usukan and Jeffrey Nor for Tanjung Keramat – the selection process prioritises winnable candidates to maximise seat retention,” he said. He acknowledged the unpredictable nature of post-election alliances, while confirming his intention to defend his Lamag seat (“InsyaAllah”).
He reiterated Umno Sabah’s focus on Sabah’s economic revival, addressing critical issues like water and electricity shortages, and road conditions.