PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional aims to work together with local Sabah parties in the state election, as a pact between federal and state-based coalitions is key to the region’s development, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Barisan chairman and Deputy Prime Minister said talks are ongoing but stopped short of confirming any timeline for a deal.
"The reality is that any federal coalition must work with a party or coalition in Sabah. The combination between federal and Sabah coalitions or parties must be realised,” Ahmad Zahid told reporters after an event at the Rural and Regional Development Ministry here on Thursday (May 15).
He also said Barisan is not limiting discussions to one group.
"We are also open to talking with other political parties in Sabah," he said when asked whether Barisan has entered into negotiations with Sabah's ruling coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
"I cannot predict when these talks will be done, but like the Prime Minister said, we want political stability between the federal and state administrations for the people of Sabah."
Barisan and Pakatan Harapan have already agreed to team up for the upcoming state polls, due in November.
However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently suggested that Pakatan might also work with GRS to ensure continuity of development efforts in Sabah.
Ahmad Zahid previously expressed support for a broader coalition involving Barisan, Pakatan, and GRS, a so-called "grand coalition."
Currently, GRS consists of eight parties, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Sabah Progressive Party, Sabah Star, United Sabah National Organisation, Parti Cinta Sabah, Liberal Democratic Party and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.
Meanwhile, Sabah Pakatan has four parties, Upko, PKR, DAP and Amanah, while Sabah Barisan comprises Umno, MCA, MIC and PBRS.
