Kuala lumpur: UMNO has held discussions with relevant parties regarding the upcoming Sabah state election, although no final decision has been made yet. UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that preparations for the Sabah state election had already begun last year as part of the party's readiness efforts. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that the party has been on standby, making preparations since last year to face the Sabah state election. He relayed this information to reporters after officiating the Tanah Merah UMNO Division delegates' meeting. The meeting was also attended by UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Kelantan UMNO Liaison Committee chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub. The Sabah State Legislative Assembly is scheduled for automatic dissolution on November 11, paving the way for the 17th Sabah state election. In the previous 16th Sabah state election held in 2020, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which includes Perikatan Nasional (PN ), won 17 seats, Barisan Nasional (BN) secured 14 seats, and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) captured seven seats, collectively gaining enough seats to form the new state government.