BARISAN Nasional (BN) has confirmed that the coalition has finalised preparations for the 17th Sabah General Election (PRN17), with candidates already identified and awaiting formal announcement.
BN Secretary-General Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said on Monday all arrangements at both the state and central levels had been completed, adding that discussions with Sabah party leaders had also taken place.
"At the BN level, I can say that preparations are complete and we are only waiting for the announcement of the candidates. Discussions at this level have already been held," he told a press conference after reviewing preparations for the Putrajaya Idea Festival at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) today.
"Insya-Allah, we expect the BN Chairman, to work together with Sabah leadership, as we know, Sabah also has its autonomy. So, we respect that, but joint discussions have still taken place. Overall, I can say that preparations at the BN level are fully ready," he added.
Zambry confirmed that potential candidates had been identified well in advance.
"Certainly, we have already identified the candidates. This means that once the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) is dissolved, BN has made all necessary preparations, including selecting candidates," he said.
Earlier, BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi indicated that the party would announce its candidate list and contested seats about a week before nomination day, while also noting that BN would not contest all 73 elective DUN seats, focusing instead on selected constituencies.
The Sabah General Election is scheduled for 29 November, with nomination day on 15 November and early voting on 25 November.
The Sabah State Legislative Assembly consists of 79 seats, 73 of which are contested, while six are appointed members. - November 3, 2025
