KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional is keeping its options open on cooperation with any party or coalition in the Sabah state election, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman and Umno president said it was still too early to say, with regard to the state election.
"The deadline for the Sabah state election is October 2025. There is still time.
"We are not shutting the door on potential collaborations with other coalitions.
"This also aligns with the Prime Minister's stance, who serves as the chairman of the unity government coalition," he said after launching the Youth Socioeconomic Empowerment Plan, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the economic and social well-being of young people.
Ahmad Zahid said any possible collaborations should be based on the cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.
"This needs to be strengthened at both the central and state levels, which is also planned for Sabah.
"This was the decision reached during a recent unity government secretariat meeting," he added.
On Sunday (Nov 3), Sabah Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said Sabah Barisan must be ready to face the possibility of contesting alone in the upcoming Sabah election if negotiations with other parties failed.
On another matter, Ahmad Zahid was also asked on a recent statement by Johor Umno secretary Datuk Abdul Halim Suleiman labelling Johor Amanah as "ungrateful" for contesting in two seats given by Umno, Ahmad Zahid said it was only his personal opinion.
"As long as the chairman, president and secretary-general of a party have not and did not issue a statement, it remains a personal opinion. It's not the official stance of the party," he added.
