BARISAN Nasional (BN) Sabah will contest in 41 seats in the Sabah General Election scheduled for November 29.
Sabah BN chairman, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, said the selection of candidates was made carefully to present the best combination of experienced, credible, competent and with a record of excellent service to the people.
He said that the selection of candidates this time is also not just based on individual backgrounds, but on the ability to bring Sabah's agenda centered on the interests of the people of the state.
“About 80 percent of the candidates consist of new faces as a sign of BN's commitment to bring more progressive reforms and be responsive to the needs of the people.
"Of that total, more than 30 percent of the candidates are representatives of the younger generation, to ensure that the voices and aspirations of the youth continue to be given a place in the state leadership," he said in Kota Kinabalu.
Bung will defend his Lamag seat, while his deputy, Abdul Rahman, will contest the Tempasuk seat in his former Kota Belud parliamentary constituency.
Umno election director Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak will also defend his Usukan seat.
Other incumbents returning to defend their constituencies include Datuk Yakubah Khan (Karambunai), Datuk Jafry Arifin (Sukau), and Datuk Harun Durabi (Bengkoka).
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup will contest the Sook seat, while Datuk Jeffrey Nor Mohamed in the Tanjung Keramat seat, replacing caretaker deputy chief minister and party defector Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
The Election Commission (EC) has set November 29 as polling day, while November 15 and November 25 as nomination and early voting days respectively.
Bung Moktar said the combination of experienced leaders with new faces and highly qualified young candidates is believed to give Sabah BN a great advantage in leading the state towards a brighter, progressive and competitive future.
He also said that the BN candidates had strong educational backgrounds, including having a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and a doctorate (PhD), as well as two candidates who were medical doctors.
“God willing, these candidates can ensure Sabah moves forward in a more organised, prosperous and inclusive manner.
“BN Sabah is confident that the unity between experienced leaders with new faces and highly qualified young candidates will provide a great advantage to lead Sabah towards a brighter and more competitive future,” he said.
However, Bung Moktar said the list of candidates announced was not final and was subject to the latest developments leading up to nomination day. - November 9, 2025
