KOTA KINABALU – The cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah now hinges on the former getting the upper hand in the upcoming election, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The BN chairman said his coalition in Sabah will no longer allow itself to be pressured by other parties, similar to the circumstances during the state election in 2020.
“We were kind of being cornered during the state election then, and now I don’t think we should be experiencing this any longer as it does not benefit us,” he told reporters after delivering his address at the Sabah BN convention here today.
“We have to be careful and get into the position of having the upper hand. I think the people largely want BN to make a comeback, and we must translate this sentiment into votes, rather than based on feelings.”
Asked to elaborate on how BN was “cornered”, Zahid said it was not related to the tussle between Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and Sabah Bersatu leader Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor for the Sabah chief minister post.
Zahid said he is leaving the matter to Sabah BN, to iron out issues with GRS, including seat distribution.
Asked whether condemning GRS’ component party Parti Bersatu Sabah will affect the overall cooperation, Zahid said he prefers to stay out of the politics in Sabah.
On another matter, Zahid said four other parties have expressed interest in joining BN, one of which comes from Sabah.
However, Zahid, who is also Umno president, declined to reveal further details on the parties involved. – The Vibes, July 2, 2022
