BN to contest at least one seat per parliamentary constituency in Sabah polls

Borneo Post

2 days ago

Mohamad with the Umno Putatan delegates after officiating the meeting. Also present were leaders of BN Sabah component parties.
PUTATAN (Aug 2): Umno Deputy President Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has indicated that Barisan Nasional (BN) intends to contest in at least one state seat in each of Sabah's 25 parliamentary constituencies in the upcoming 17th State Election.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the Umno Putatan Division's annual delegates' conference on Saturday, Mohamad, fondly known as Tok Mat, said it was 'logical' for the party to field candidates in no fewer than 25 state constituencies.
'We have 25 divisions, so automatically, yes. If we are contesting in one state seat in each parliamentary constituency, then it must be at least 25 seats,' he said.
However, when asked if this was confirmed, he clarified that discussions were still ongoing with Pakatan Harapan (PH), BN's coalition partner at the federal level.
'That is what we are currently negotiating. The basis of our negotiation with PH is that each parliamentary constituency must have at least one BN candidate. That is non-negotiable,' he stressed.
During his speech at the conference, Mohamad underscored the importance of internal unity and harmony within Umno and BN, noting that voters are drawn to stable, mature and trustworthy parties.
'To gain strength, we must work together. There must be consensus, and that will prevent conflicts and internal rifts. Only then will outsiders view Umno as a harmonious institution,' he said.
He added that the next state election is likely to be called soon, possibly after Malaysia Day celebrations in September or October.
'The time is near, and preparations must begin now,' he said, outlining four key focus areas for Umno: perception, election machinery, candidate selection and voter mobilisation.
'Public perception is crucial. We must counter slander and false narratives early. Do not keep quiet or it will burn us from within like fire beneath the ashes.'
He emphasised the need for a strong, aggressive campaign machinery and candidates who are not only acceptable to the party but also to the electorate.
'On polling day, getting voters out to vote is vital. There is no point identifying supporters early on if we fail to bring them out on election day.'
When asked about featuring young candidates, Mohamad said the decision was up to state and division leaderships, but stressed the importance of a balanced team.
'We cannot say only young people can be candidates. What we need is a good combination — those with experience, energy and specific expertise. That is how we form a strong team and a good government,' he said.
Commenting on Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) announcement of working with PH in the state polls and Perikatan Nasional's jibe that the cooperation resembled a 'three-way love affair', Mohamad brushed off the remark.
'Everyone has their way. As far as Umno is concerned, we have agreed to go into the state polls with PH. Whether it is a love triangle, square, or pentagon, let them be. I do not want to comment on what others are doing. Let them talk. I know what I want to do,' he said.
On the possibility of dissolving the State Assembly after Malaysia Day, Mohamad said it would be a strategic move.
'Malaysia Day will be celebrated in Sabah this year, and it is a fitting time. The term is almost over anyway, so it would be an appropriate moment,' he said.
When asked whether the timing was linked to Sabah's 40 per cent revenue entitlement claim, he dismissed any connection, saying that the matter is administrative, not political.
'That issue is not about elections; it is about governance. Whoever forms the next state government must fight for Sabah's rights. It is not just one group's job. It is the responsibility of the government of Sabah.'
He reminded that during BN's tenure, significant efforts had already been made through the MA63 committee to fulfil many of the state's demands.
'There are only two or three unresolved issues, mainly involving royalties, and these require further negotiations because they impact the whole country. But it's not true to say that BN did nothing or that only certain people can fight for MA63. Whoever leads Sabah must carry that responsibility,' he said.