Najib Razak said it is not the time yet to decide whether the status quo on the allocation of BN seats in Sabah would be maintained in the next general election.

"It's not the time yet for us to make any decision, why should the people over-react now.

"I have not made any decision about anything... Leave it to me to decide what is best for Sabah. At the moment, we don't get too excited about anything," the prime minister said when asked whether he would consider any change in terms of politics in Sabah.

"There's a lot of politicking internally but whatever it is, my advice is to concentrate on serving the people ... We must show we are a party that cares for the people in Sabah, that is of utmost importance," he told reporters after visiting the Pasar Lido, near Penampang.

Najib was posed this question because there was some bickering among the BN component parties in Sabah lately over the allocation of certain seats in the next general election.

Earlier, the Kalabakan Umno division chief Abdul Ghapur Salleh was reported to have asked that the Merotai state seat be returned to Umno because he said the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has held the seat for two terms, had failed to bring any development to the constituency.

Last Sunday, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Yahya Hussin had suggested that the Putatan Parliamentary seat be given to the Umno candidate in the next general election.

'BN makes final decision'

The constituency is currently being represented by the candidate from the Pertubuhan Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Bersatu (Upko) Marcus Majigoh.

Yahya, who is also the state Umno liaison secretary and Putatan Umno division head, said the move was appropriate because Umno was the pillar of strength for the BN in the parliamentary constituency.

However, this was merely a suggestion and the Putatan Umno would accept whatever decision made by the party leadership on the matter.

"I feel we can actually control the BN problem because although there is a slight difference of opinion, I believe they will adhere to whatever decision made by the top BN leadership when the time comes.

"At this stage, there may be pressure at the grassroots level, there are various views as well as demands. But whatever it is, they must uphold the BN spirit and consensus.

"According to our constitution, anyone can make demands, but the final decision lies in the hands of the BN supreme council and chairman," Najib said.

- Bernama