Kuala Lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) is set to reveal its candidates for the 17th Sabah State Election one week before the official nomination day, as confirmed by BN Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister and UMNO President, stated that BN will disclose the total number of State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats it plans to contest on the same day as the candidate announcement. Rather than contesting all 73 DUN seats, BN will focus on specific areas. This strategic approach follows their previous defeat in the 16th Sabah State Election in 2020.

Ahmad Zahid emphasized that BN will not collaborate with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in this election. However, he acknowledged the need for political partnerships with other parties to establish the state government. He noted that no single party or coalition is expected to secure a majority, thus necessitating pre-election and post-election cooperation.

During his appearance on Bernama TV's "Ruang Bicara" programme, Ahmad Zahid revealed that he has received a list of potential candidates, with three to five names for each DUN seat that BN intends to contest. The Election Commission has slated November 29 for polling, November 15 for nominations, and November 25 for early voting.

The announcement of the election follows the dissolution of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly on October 6 by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, paving the way for this state election. The Sabah State Assembly comprises 79 seats, with 73 being contested and six filled by appointed Members of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUNs).