KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional is strengthening its alliance with Pakatan Harapan as it prepares for the upcoming Sabah state election, with discussions extending to a broader coalition tentatively dubbed ‘BN-PH Plus’, according to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman said the political cooperation in Sabah would be guided by both local Barisan leadership and central leadership to ensure a strong and unified front.
"We leave it to the wisdom of Sabah Barisan, with strategic guidance from the federal level, to chart a prudent path toward achieving political dominance through consensus," he told reporters after officiating the 2025 Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) Exhibition and Conference, and the declaration of the Asean Franchise Convention (AFC) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here on Thursday (May 8).
To a question on cooperation with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said Barisan remains open to alliances with any political party.
"Our principle is to keep our doors wide open, and not to shut them completely,” he said, suggesting that political manoeuvring in Sabah still has ample room for new partnerships.
On seat allocations, Ahmad Zahid said it was premature to finalise any decision, noting that detailed negotiations would take place later.
Prior to this, Sabah Barisan confirmed plans to contest 40 of the 73 state seats available in the upcoming state election, with the remaining 33 seats allocated to Pakatan. – Bernama
