ETHNIC and sub-ethnic composition will play a role in Barisan Nasional’s (BN) candidate selection for the forthcoming Sabah state election, in an effort to ensure broader representation and local acceptance, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
He said the coalition is currently assessing potential candidates based on the WALI criteria – winnable, acceptable, and likeable – while also considering input from grassroots evaluations.
“In addition to the list that has been submitted, we will also take into account candidate selection based on ground assessments,” he said.
“Insya-Allah, many new and young faces will be featured, along with several experienced incumbents who have performed well in past elections and demonstrated their service to their constituencies.”
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, made the remarks after officiating the closing of the National-Level Konvensyen 152 at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) earlier today.
He added that BN had already submitted its proposed list of candidates for vetting by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and the Syariah Court, to ensure all nominees possess strong integrity.
The number of seats BN intends to contest will be announced on nomination day.
Israel Must Respect Peace Deal Agreed by Hamas
On a separate matter, Ahmad Zahid urged Israel to honour the terms of the ceasefire plan agreed to by Hamas by halting its attacks on Gaza and allowing humanitarian aid to flow in immediately.
“The most important thing is that the war, oppression, famine and deaths due to diseases that have cropped up as a result of the war must be stopped… most importantly, Gaza and Palestine must be saved,” he said.
He expressed support for the initial peace framework, which was brokered by the United States and reportedly includes the release of all hostages, while noting that Hamas is expected to review several terms before fully committing to a final ceasefire.
Ahmad Zahid also called for the release of all remaining participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) detained by Israel, urging Tel Aviv to “respect the voices of the world” that have condemned its continued military actions. - October 9, 2025
