Kota kinabalu: Barisan Nasional (BN) is set to finalize its number of contesting seats for the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election next week, as revealed by party chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, mentioned that the official announcement will occur during his impending visit to Kota Kinabalu.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid addressed reporters concerning BN’s decision on whether to contest fewer than 48 seats in the state polls. His remarks followed the officiation of the Putrajaya Festival of Ideas at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. He emphasized that 80 percent of BN’s candidates will be newcomers, showcasing the party’s focus on renewal and aiming to attract young voters in Sabah.

Ahmad Zahid further confirmed that the seat allocation talks between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) are nearing completion, with approximately 95 percent of the negotiations finalized and only minor technical issues pending. Sabah BN ch
airman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin had earlier indicated that the discussions were in their concluding phase, with nearly 70 percent settled.

The Election Commission has scheduled November 29 as the polling day for the state election, with nominations set for November 15 and early voting on November 25. The Sabah State Assembly comprises 79 seats, with 73 available for contest and six reserved for appointed assembly members.