KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) is not closing its doors to collaborating with any coalition or party in the coming 17th Sabah state election, said BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He emphasized that the cooperation between BN and Pakatan Harapan (PH) would be strengthened at both central and state levels, including in Sabah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the recent Unity Government secretariat meeting decided on reinforcing the collaboration between BN and PH, as stated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who chairs the coalition of parties under the Unity Government. Ahmad Zahid conveyed this message during a media conference following the Youth Development Cabinet Committee Meeting No 2/2024 and the launch of the Youth Socio-Economic Empowerment Plan 2030 at the Parliament Building.
The Deputy Prime Minister addressed concerns over a statement by Sabah UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin about Sabah BN’s readiness to go solo in the state election. Ahm
ad Zahid reiterated that unless official statements are made by the chairman, president, or secretary-general of any party, other statements would be considered as personal viewpoints rather than party policies.
In response to Johor Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah)’s announcement of its intention to contest 20 seats in the upcoming Johor election, Ahmad Zahid described it as a personal statement. Johor Amanah deputy chairman Dzulkefly Ahmad had mentioned the possibility of contests between PH and BN in the coming state and general elections, noting that Johor has yet to form a Unity Government. Dzulkefly expressed the party’s aim to contest at least 20 out of the 56 seats in the Johor State Legislative Assembly, with or without an alliance with BN or the original PH coalition.