Undaunted Sabah BN prepared to go solo in state polls

• UPDATED 8.17PM | Added GRS chief stating talks with component parties and Harapan on state polls to take place this month.

Sabah BN is prepared to contest independently in the upcoming 17th state election if no cooperation agreement is reached with other parties, said its chairperson Bung Moktar Radin.

He explained that BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the coalition and Pakatan Harapan have discussed possible cooperation, including potential collaboration with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), to face the polls which must be held next year.

“However, statements from some local and party leaders have suggested that they may also consider running solo in the next state election.

“If they choose to go solo, Sabah BN and Umno are ready to respond.

“In fact, I invite any party that plans to run alone in the upcoming state election to be prepared for strong opposition from us,” said the Sabah Umno liaison committee chairperson as quoted by Bernama.

Bung (above) added that Sabah BN and Umno are undaunted and have prepared their machinery for the upcoming election.

Talks expected this month

During a GRS student convention in Kota Kinabalu today, GRS chairperson Hajiji Noor said the coalition has a year to prepare for the state polls before the state legislative assembly is dissolved.

He also said that discussions among all GRS component parties and other political parties, especially Harapan, are expected to occur this month.

“We will hold a meeting within GRS and Gagasan Rakyat to discuss seat distribution for our party and collaboration with other parties, especially Harapan.

“Be patient, there’s still a year left (before the assembly dissolves),” the Sabah chief minister was quoted as saying by Bernama.

‘Never closed the door on cooperation’

On Oct 27, Zahid said BN and Harapan had finalised their cooperation to face the next Sabah state election.

“We have never closed the door on cooperation with coalitions in Sabah, or any partnerships with existing parties in Sabah and we will not use the old approach that there is no chance of negotiations.

“So what’s being said by Bung suits the political landscape in Sabah and is also adaptable to the political situation at the national level,” he said.

He was asked to comment on Bung’s statement about unofficial talks with Sabah Harapan to work with BN for the state election in line with a similar approach in Peninsular Malaysia.

Zahid also did not rule out the possibility of GRS, which helms Sabah, working with BN-Harapan in the state election.

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