Kimanis: Barisan Nasional (BN) has announced plans to contest at least one state seat in each parliamentary constituency in Sabah during the 17th state election, according to its deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. This strategy is aimed at ensuring BN’s presence across all 25 parliamentary constituencies in Sabah, which encompasses a total of 73 state seats.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Hasan, who serves as the UMNO deputy president and is also the Foreign Minister and Rembau MP, mentioned that the proposal is yet to be finalized. Further discussions will be held with the BN component parties, including UMNO, MCA, MIC, and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS). Mohamad emphasized the importance of this strategy to avoid a repeat of the last election, where some parliamentary constituencies lacked BN representation, leading to dissatisfaction among supporters.

Mohamad also addressed UMNO members, urging them to disregard rumors about a coalition with DAP. He clarified that after the 15th General Election (GE15), BN, particularly UMNO, has not merged with any party. Instead, they formed the current government alongside Pakatan Harapan (PH) based on a mutual agreement, as no single party could establish a government post-GE15.

The 16th Sabah state assembly’s term is set to expire on November 11, leading to the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election.