Kuala lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasised that the coalition serves as a political platform for Sabahans to champion their cause in advancing the state's development. Ahmad Zahid, who previously served as Defence Minister when BN was in government, said the coalition also played a key role in defending Sabah's sovereignty, including during the Lahad Datu intrusion in 2013. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted the importance of unity among Malaysians, stating that regardless of state, loyalty to the country remains paramount. He referenced the Lahad Datu incident, questioning who was responsible for negotiating during the crisis and for deploying air force assets when necessary. His comments were made during the launch of the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Women's Empowerment Programme and Malaysia MADANI Nationhood Seminar. The event was also attended by key figures such as Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, and MARA chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. Ahmad Zahid further emphasised that Sabah BN's autonomy is a testament to the central leadership's trust in Sabahans' ability to steer their political future. He clarified that the autonomy was granted because Sabah UMNO and BN are not seen as peninsula-based entities, but rather as parties that represent the people of Sabah, having been invited by them to contribute to the state's progress. Expressing optimism about BN's potential to establish a stable government in Sabah, Ahmad Zahid assured that collaboration with other political coalitions is on the table if it aligns with the goal of advancing the state. He pledged that BN, if successful, would fulfill all commitments made in their forthcoming manifesto during their first term in power.