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BARISAN Nasional (BN) is poised to dominate rural seats in the upcoming Sabah state election (PRN), with Pakatan Harapan (PH) expected to concentrate its efforts in urban areas, according to UMNO’s central leadership.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Chief of the UMNO Central War Room Secretariat, confirmed on Sunday that seat distribution between PH and BN had been finalised, with no overlaps—an indication, he said, that the alliance is “on the right track and fully prepared” for the election.
“I cannot disclose the exact number of seats, but the agreement has been finalised,” said the Pontian MP.
“Typically, urban seats will go to PH, either DAP or PKR, while BN will focus on the rural constituencies.
“I hope we win every seat we contest, be it urban or rural,” he added.
Ahmad made the comments after presenting contributions to 180 students set to begin their studies at public and private universities, at the Muafakat Complex in Sungai Pinggan, Benut.
He also noted that preparations by UMNO for this state election are far more organised compared to the last Sabah PRN in 2020.
“This time, preparations are more systematic and well-coordinated, with leadership involved from both the federal and state levels,” he said.
“The state UMNO chairman has travelled to Sabah to officiate division-level meetings in the constituencies assigned to them.”
Ahmad himself has visited 20 UMNO divisions in Sabah so far, with only five remaining—Kimanis, Tenom, Kinabatangan, Libaran and Penampang—which he plans to visit soon.
On Saturday, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also confirmed that the seat distribution between BN and PH had been settled without any overlap, ruling out any negotiations with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) regarding seat-sharing or election cooperation.
As Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmad Zahid said this decision was made out of respect for PH, BN’s formal coalition partner in government. - August 17, 2025