BARISAN Nasional (BN) Sabah may contest fewer seats than its initial target of 48 in the 17th State Election (PRN17) as negotiations with Pakatan Harapan (PH) continue, party leaders confirmed.
BN Sabah chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said discussions with PH will resume on 3 or 4 November to finalise allocations for several undecided seats.
"The negotiations currently have reached between 65 and 70 percent. The problem is when both parties intend to contest. (The cooperation) with PH has not yet been finalised.
“There are still several seats that need to be discussed further between BN and PH. God willing, I will meet with the PH leadership to resolve this," he told reporters at the Libaran Multipurpose Hall.
Bung Moktar, who also serves as Sabah UMNO chief, represented Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the launch of the Program Sentuhan Kasih Desa@Libaran.
He acknowledged growing concerns among supporters over delays in finalising seat allocations.
On speculation regarding former Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Ruji Ubi as a potential Chief Minister candidate, Bung Moktar said, “All candidates have the right to express interest, but the final decision will only be made after the election.”
Ruji has been confirmed by PKR Sabah chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud as a candidate for the Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Merotai seat.
Meanwhile, UMNO central leadership has urged state members to accept candidate selections with loyalty and avoid internal sabotage.
UMNO’s War Room Secretariat Chief Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said today, "I hope whoever has been selected as a candidate will be accepted.
“There should be no sabotage or 'cah keting' that will only harm the party in this state election. Decisions regarding candidates are made by the leadership at both the state and national levels after considering all aspects."
He emphasised that life as a candidate is demanding, requiring dedication to the public rather than family alone.
"Back then, there was plenty of time for family; after this, there will be none. When someone becomes a candidate, they must work hard to secure victory. I wish those selected all the best in their struggle," Ahmad said, urging those not chosen to remain loyal and supportive to ensure BN’s success.
BN is expected to announce its final list of candidates a week before nomination day on 15 November. Early voting is set for 25 November, with polling scheduled for 29 November. - November 1, 2025
