Kota Kinabalu: Barisan Nasional (BN) will contest the Sabah state election using its own logo, while maintaining an open approach to cooperation with other political parties, its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the deputy prime minister and UMNO president emphasized that BN consistently engages with all parties, as the coalition believes in open politics. “We hope all discussions will be positive. No door should be left wide open, and no door should be closed completely. This means there is always room for negotiation and engagement,” he stated.

Ahmad Zahid confirmed that BN will contest under the ‘Dacing’ symbol but does not reject collaboration with other political coalitions. He made these remarks to reporters after officiating the Sabah Women Empowerment programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre. The event was also attended by Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, and Sabah Community Development Department (KEMAS) chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

He noted that detailed discussions have yet to occur as the Sabah Legislative Assembly has not been dissolved. However, he assured that engagements and negotiations will intensify when the time comes. On the matter of seat distribution, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that discussions have not reached that stage but reiterated BN’s commitment to avoiding clashes between coalition partners.

“The best way forward is to adopt an open attitude, and of course, it is better to seek more allies than to create adversaries,” he remarked. The current five-year term of the Sabah state assembly will expire automatically on Nov 11, paving the way for the 17th state election.