Sabah Umno strategic communications director Datu Rosman Datu Ahir Zaman says BN’s 40-33 seat proposal to Pakatan Harapan is not final.
KOTA KINABALU: The proposal for Barisan Nasional (BN) to contest 40 seats and offer 33 to Pakatan Harapan in the upcoming Sabah state election is merely a suggestion and remains open to discussion, says Sabah Umno.
Its strategic communications director Datu Rosman Datu Ahir Zaman said the arrangement is not final and talks are still ongoing between coalition leaders.
“The 40-33 distribution is part of a broader seat strategy if a Barisan-Pakatan alliance is formalised," he said in a statement on Friday (May 2).
"It is open for negotiation, and if no agreement is reached, Barisan reserves the right to explore partnerships with other parties in the interest of Sabah’s stability and development,” he added.
Rosman was responding to Sabah PKR information chief Razeef Rakimin, who claimed there had been no seat negotiations with Barisan.
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He said Razeef’s remarks were his personal views and did not reflect Pakatan's collective position.
“Negotiations are being held at the top leadership level, not just with a single component party like PKR,” Rosman added.
He also stressed that while Barisan welcomed cooperation, it would not join any alliance from a weak position.
“Barisan will only enter a partnership from a position of strength. We have a proven track record, strong grassroots support, and a clear commitment to the people’s agenda,” he said.
ALSO READ: Sabah PKR denies seat talks held with BN
Rosman urged all parties to respect the negotiation process and to approach political collaboration with maturity and mutual respect.
On Thursday (May 1), it was reported that Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said Barisan had agreed to contest 40 seats and offered the remaining 33 to Pakatan, describing it as a fair strategy based on incumbency and grassroots strength.
In response, Razeef described the claim as “misleading and false,” saying that no formal talks had taken place between the coalitions.
He said that while informal meetings may have occurred, there has been no formal seat negotiation or agreement.
Razeef also criticised Sabah Barisan leaders for repeatedly making such statements without engaging Pakatan through official channels.
