Kota Kinabalu: The cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming Sabah state election is aimed at building a better future for the state, rather than solely focusing on winning the polls, declared state BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bung Moktar emphasized that detailed negotiations would be conducted between the leadership of both coalitions at the state level. These discussions will cover seat allocations and a coordinated approach with other like-minded parties to effectively contest the election.

Bung Moktar underscored the importance of maturity and sincerity in the current political landscape to foster stability. He expressed that the alliance between BN and PH is not just about securing an election victory but is a strategic move to ensure a well-managed future for Sabah.

He reiterated the commitment to finalizing decisions through consensus, respecting the guidelines set by national-level leadership. This cooperative effort is seen as a step towards creating a stable political environment conducive to the development of Sabah.

Earlier in the day, PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Unity Government Secretariat chief Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki released a joint statement confirming the cooperation between PH and BN in the Sabah election. They highlighted that seat distribution and negotiations with other potential partners would be managed by PH and BN leaders within Sabah.

Bung Moktar, who also serves as the Sabah UMNO chief, stated that Sabah BN is fully committed to mobilizing its party machinery from the state level to the grassroots to contest the polls as a cohesive unit. He stressed the objective of not just winning, but doing so with dignity and obtaining a genuine mandate from the people.

He concluded by reflecting on past experiences, emphasizing that the party is prepared to build a shared future in the best interests of the people of Sabah.