Kuala Lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) is open to exploring political cooperation with any party in preparation for the upcoming Sabah state election, said its secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. He announced that discussions are already underway, although he did not disclose the names of the parties involved.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zambry stated, “BN has begun a series of talks, and I can confirm that the process is ongoing,” during a conversation with reporters after attending the Karisma Pemimpin Muda Madani 2025 programme. He emphasized the importance of an inclusive approach to ensure the stability and strength of the coalition, noting that both BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) have component parties based in Sabah.

Zambry highlighted that negotiations are progressing through both formal and informal channels among key stakeholders, in anticipation of what is expected to be a closely contested election. This comes after BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s announcement that
initial discussions between BN and PH on seat allocations had commenced and would be finalized once the Sabah state legislative assembly is officially dissolved.

In related developments, PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar advocated for at least 13 seats to be allocated to PKR for the state polls during the 2024/2025 PKR Annual National Congress last Saturday.