Kuala lumpur: Barisan Nasional (BN) will field candidates from MCA and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), alongside UMNO, in the upcoming 17th Sabah state election. MIC is less likely to participate, given the smaller Indian voter population in Sabah, BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, most of BN’s candidates will be new faces, although some existing candidates will be retained. There is also an intention to increase the number of professional candidates representing BN. Ahmad Zahid confirmed that the cooperation between Pakatan Harapan and BN has been finalized, ensuring no overlap in seat contests. The announcement was made after the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) outreach programme.

Regarding the number of seats BN aims to contest, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as UMNO president and Deputy Prime Minister, mentioned that details will be disclosed on nomination day. Earlier, on October 6, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor anno
unced the dissolution of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly to facilitate the 17th Sabah state election. The assembly comprises 79 seats, with 73 contested and six appointed assemblymen.

The Election Commission (EC) has scheduled a special meeting on October 16 to discuss key dates and other pertinent election matters.