Kuala lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) is gearing up to contest the Sabah state election as a cohesive unit, as confirmed by its Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Mohamad, who also serves as the UMNO Deputy President, emphasized the coalition’s efforts to establish alliances with Pakatan Harapan (PH) and local parties in Sabah in preparation for the forthcoming state polls.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad highlighted the necessity of collaboration with PH in Sabah, citing that BN cannot contest in isolation and requires partners for the state election. He noted the ongoing deliberations regarding seat distribution, aiming to prevent voter confusion and to project a unified front that can effectively govern Sabah. Mohamad conveyed these insights while addressing reporters after officiating the UMNO Ledang Division Delegates’ Meeting, where UMNO Ledang Division chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Talib was also present.

In a related development in Penang, UMNO Wanita Chief Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad discussed the efforts being undertaken by her wing to conduct a comprehensive sentiment study. This study aims to gauge voter trends and collect grassroots feedback, which is then relayed to central, division, and ‘war room’ leaderships. Noraini underscored that this analysis is part of an ongoing effort to bolster the party and is not confined to election periods.

Noraini, who also holds the position of Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, mentioned that the sentiment study for the Sabah state election has been concluded. However, the findings will be disclosed at the discretion of the party leadership. She assured that Wanita UMNO is working closely with the state UMNO to maintain peak readiness of the election machinery, highlighting the well-organized structure and task distribution among the Wanita, Youth, and Puteri wings to ensure seamless operations.

The Sabah State Legislative Assembly’s five-year term is set to automatically dissolve on November 11, marking the commencement of the 17th Sabah State Election.