KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional has confirmed it will partner with Sabah Pakatan Harapan in the upcoming state election, signalling a united front aimed at realigning politically and addressing long-standing development issues.
State Barisan and Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the decision was finalised during a retreat held in Penang late last year.
The coalition is confident the partnership will strengthen its chances of regaining voter support in Sabah.
“The central leadership had their own discussions, and so did we. We have made our decision. Sabah Barisan will cooperate with Sabah Pakatan Harapan. This alliance is built on shared goals and mutual trust.
“Formal coordination is still being planned and will be finalised closer to the campaign period. For now, our cooperation with Pakatan is confirmed,” he told reporters during his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house here on Sunday (April 13).
He said that both parties will be holding formal discussions soon in the state, adding that the alliance is to show that decades of underdevelopment under local-based parties signal the need for change.
“Sabah has been led by local parties for decades, but the state continues to lag behind. We believe it is time for a different approach.
“In fact, the current Sabah Umno leadership under me comprises entirely new faces, all locals. Except for (Sabah Umno treasurer and former chief minister) Datuk Salleh Said Keruak, none of us were part of the previous Umno leadership that made past policy decisions. We are fresh, highly committed, and determined to bring real development to Sabah and resolve long-standing issues such as water, roads, and electricity.
He stressed that the new Sabah Umno leadership believes promises must be fulfilled.
“If we fail to deliver, the people will reject us. Our aim is to win, and once we do, we must keep our word.”
While confirming the partnership with Sabah Pakatan, Bung Moktar also said Sabah Barisan remains open to forming alliances with other parties that show commitment, sincerity, and loyalty to Sabah’s progress.
When asked which local party they were eyeing to work with, he replied: “You guess.”
He also clarified that seat negotiations are still ongoing, with priority given to parties and candidates most likely to win.
Confirming he will defend his Lamag seat in the 17th state election due in September this year, Bung Moktar said Sabah Barisan hopes to retain the 41 seats it contested in the previous polls.
“When it comes to seat allocations, our priority is to contest in constituencies where we have strong support. Elections are not just about numbers, we need winnable seats. If we contest everywhere but lose, what is the point?
“It is not about demanding a certain number. Yes, we contested 41 seats previously and we hope to do so again, but this will depend on ongoing discussions. While we aspire to remain a dominant force, we also want a smooth process with flexibility.”
The Kinabatangan MP added that a formal announcement involving all alliance partners will be made closer to the campaign period but emphasised that groundwork has already begun.
“We have had positive discussions, including with Pakatan leaders in Sabah. We cannot afford to wait too long. The longer we wait, the more fragmented we become,” he said.
On the upcoming State Legislative Assembly sitting on Monday (April 14), Bung Moktar said Barisan assemblymen will put up a “fierce” debate and raise key issues.
“There will be no empty rhetoric, only facts. The people deserve answers,” he added.
