Zahid: Bung to decide on Sabah CM candidate if BN wins state polls

BN has left the question of its Sabah chief minister candidate to be decided by state Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin if the coalition emerges victorious in the upcoming state polls.

BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah BN chief, has been granted autonomy to decide on the matter.

"To select a chief minister from among the assemblypersons after winning with enough majority to form a new Sabah government.

"After the state elections if we get a simple majority, discussions will be held with all assemblypersons," he said.

"In Sabah, there are 73 state assembly seats.

"To form a new government, this will be the second stage of discussion after the election," said the Umno president.

The Election Commission yesterday set Sept 26 as the polling date for the Sabah polls.

Election Commission deputy chairperson Azmi Sharom made the announcement in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, after a meeting with returning officers at a local hotel.

Nomination day was set for Sept 12 and early voting will be conducted on Sept 22.

The voter list being used is the one updated as of July 29.

On July 30, former Sabah chief minister Shafie Apdal said the Sabah governor had consented to dissolve the state assembly and pave the way for the state elections.

Meanwhile, asked on BN's readiness to compromise on the issue of seat negotiations, Zahid said wisdom was needed to address the issue.

"Aside from Umno and PBRS that are with BN, there are other local Sabah-based parties and surely they, too, intend to contest seats where they gauge they can win and contribute towards forming a new state government.

"Wisdom and comprise must be at the forefront of the party's request," he said.

"We know the parties involved, Star, PBS, and we also know other parties keen to contest including Bersatu whose representatives include several who contested on a BN ticket (previously)," he said.

Zahid said while Bung will have an opportunity to engage in initial discussions with the party presidents together with Umno secretary-general Annuar Musa who will assist the process.

Meanwhile, Bung said Sabah BN candidates will be using the coalition's logo in the coming elections.

Asked on the issue of candidates, Bung said the process was ongoing and would be finalised soon. - Mkini