Sabah polls: BN to run own machinery in overlapping seats, denies secret pact with Warisan, says Zahid

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 15): Barisan Nasional (BN) will run its election machinery independently in overlapping constituencies in Sabah to avoid conflicts and ensure candidates campaign without provoking sensitive issues, said BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the approach was agreed upon based on Sabah’s “unique political equations”, citing constituencies such as Kemabong and Karamunting, where multiple parties — including the Democratic Action Party (DAP), Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA), and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) — are contesting.

In Kemabong, DAP’s Senator Noorita Sual and BN’s Rahmah Jan Sulaiman are both in the race. DAP is part of Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH), which has an electoral pact with BN.

In Karamunting, MCA’s Datuk Chin Kim Hiung is contesting alongside PKR’s Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin.

PKR is part of PH’s Sabah chapter, while MCA is a BN component.

Ahmad Zahid also dismissed claims of a secret pact with Parti Warisan (Warisan).

“I have never held discussions with Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal on this matter. There is no secret pact.

“If there were, we would not contest in Warisan-held areas,” he told reporters during an engagement session with the media at a hotel here today.

He said post-election negotiations were possible after the Nov 29 polls, as no single party or coalition was expected to dominate.

“Cooperation must be seen as a political dynamic in Sabah,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid described the state election as a “democratic festival”, noting high voter enthusiasm and active participation from both rural and urban communities.

“With 74 independent candidates, the more the merrier. People in Sabah really enjoy contesting,” he said.

He also framed BN’s electoral strategy around development priorities, highlighting initiatives in education, rural infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.

Ahmad Zahid said Sabah voters were increasingly focused on practical issues rather than partisan loyalties.

“The cooperation we see is part of the natural political dynamics, and it will be crucial for forming a stable government,” he said.