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BARISAN Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have finalised their seat allocation ahead of the Sabah State Election with no overlapping candidacies, confirmed BN Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He also revealed that no negotiations regarding seat distribution or cooperation had taken place between BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) out of respect for PH’s position.
“The agreement finalised is between BN and PH, and we respect PH-GRS. There are no direct negotiations between BN and GRS. Other discussions aimed at avoiding three-cornered fights or seat overlaps have been conducted behind the scenes,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters after the 16th National Public Defence Cadet Corps Passing-Out Parade and Commissioning Ceremony on Saturday.
He acknowledged that multi-cornered contests are likely inevitable due to the emergence of many new parties in Sabah, with some seats potentially contested by up to eight candidates.
“Given the numerous new parties wanting to contest in Sabah, three-cornered contests are unavoidable, perhaps even up to eight-cornered. This is the political landscape in Sabah. But between BN and PH, there is no overlap in seats,” he added.
Meanwhile, BN Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan affirmed BN’s decision to contest all the seats it previously won, including reclaiming traditional seats handed over to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) during the last Sabah State Election.
“We remain firm in contesting the seats we won previously, as well as our traditional seats formerly ceded to Bersatu,” Mohamad said after officiating simultaneous UMNO Rembau Wanita, Pemuda and Puteri meetings at the Royal Chulan Hotel on Saturday.
He recalled how many traditional UMNO-BN seats were offered to Bersatu in the spirit of cooperation during the last election, but warned, “We were stabbed in the back. We will not allow such a thing to happen again.”
Mohamad emphasised that UMNO-BN Sabah must emerge as the dominant party following this election.
Regarding Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s announcement of intending to contest 39 seats, Mohamad stated that the final arrangement depends on ongoing negotiations.
“We have appointed the UMNO and Barisan Nasional Secretaries-General to negotiate seat allocations. What is important is that BN and PH have finalised their collaboration to face the Sabah State Election. Others remain open,” he explained.
He stressed BN’s preference not to bind itself prematurely in negotiations, allowing the appointed committee to determine the best cooperation format and seat distribution.
“We hope to conclude these talks promptly as the election approaches. Our grassroots machinery must understand and clearly know the party’s direction ahead of the polls,” Mohamad added. - August 16, 2025