Going solo in state polls not an option, says Sabah BN

 

Bung said BN is open to collaborating with any party, except those who have “betrayed” the coalition in the past.

PETALING JAYA: 

Barisan Nasional will announce an electoral alliance in the near future, having accepted that it cannot win the upcoming Sabah state election on its own, says Bung Moktar Radin.

The Sabah BN chairman said the state’s current political landscape does not allow a party to win enough seats to form a government on its own.

“Umno-BN will contest based on our capabilities and confidence. When the time comes, we will decide on our partners.

“Going solo will limit our potential. Parties that operate on their own do not stand a chance of winning the election, but this is not something unique to Malaysia. It’s a worldwide phenomenon.

“Once the election is over, parties will have to work with each other to form a government,” Bung said in an interview with FMT.

In December 2023, Shafie Apdal announced that Warisan would work with Sabah Umno for the state polls. The announcement was made at Warisan’s annual general assembly, with Bung, the Sabah Umno chief, in attendance.

However, BN later said its central leadership will decide on the state chapter’s electoral alliances.

Warisan subsequently announced that it would contest the state election on its own.

Both Sabah BN and the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition are now courting Pakatan Harapan in an attempt to seal an electoral pact.

Bung said BN is open to collaborating with any party, except those who have “betrayed” them in the past.

He said BN intends to contest in more than 40 seats.

During the 2020 state election, Sabah Umno contributed 14 seats to a coalition comprising BN, Bersatu, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku and several others.

Although Sabah Umno withdrew support for chief minister Hajiji Noor in January 2023, five of its assemblymen — including current deputy chief minister Shahelmey Yahya — have continued to back the GRS chairman. - FMT