Issues arising from preparations to the state election may test the unity among Barisan Nasional (BN) components in Sabah, said Chief Minister Musa Aman.

According to Bernama, Musa said he expects various issues, especially seat distribution, to "surely test the unity and understanding among components in Sabah".

He hoped that party members would not isolate themselves if they are not picked as candidates.

"In keeping with the BN tradition, we must abide by whatever decision made by the party leadership and work hard towards ensuring the victory of the (coalition) candidate irrespective of which component party he or she is from," he said when opening the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Congress.

Healthy competition

Musa, who is Sabah BN chairperson, urged component party members to maintain unity to ensure a resounding victory for the coalition in the state and national elections.

"What's most important is that the BN must continue to remain in power in Sabah and in Malaysia," he was quoted by the national news agency.

In a democratic country, jockeying for seats and positions was a norm among political parties, he said.

"Nevertheless, I wish to advise, especially to SAPP members, to practise healthy competition and be disciplined.

"We have to demonstrate BN's image of respecting laws and regulations and preserve friendship and harmony with one another," he said.

Musa said BN had nine component parties in Sabah which surely have differences among them, but "this does not prevent us from being united and pursue the noble struggles of the BN".

"It's not wrong for us to criticise constructively or correct each other, but it must be in the context of entrenching BN's position," he said.

No requests yet

On the state election, Musa, who is also Sabah Umno liaison chief, said it could be held anytime and "I'm confident all of us are ready to ensure BN's victory".

"Regardless of whether the state election is held simultaneously or separately with the national election, we need to ensure we are ready to face it."

Speaking to reporters later, Musa said state BN leaders would meet at an appropriate time to discuss election preparations, including seat allocation, and that he "does not foresee any problems".

"I also believe all BN component parties will accept whatever decision made by the party's top leadership," he said.

Asked whether any component party had requested for seats to contest, Musa said he had not received any so far.

He also said that it was premature to discuss whether Umno wanted to contest in 36 seats in the state election because the date has not been announced yet.