Sabah State Election: BN and Warisan Clarify Stance on Potential Cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR, El Sky News  — With the Sabah state election approaching, Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) have clarified that there will be no confirmed electoral cooperation at this stage. BN Chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that while avoiding direct competition in the same constituencies could be considered if any cooperation occurs, no formal talks have taken place before the election.

Zahid highlighted that any discussion on collaboration might only happen after the polls, especially if no party wins a clear majority. For now, BN intends to run its campaign independently, including in constituencies where their candidates could potentially face Warisan opponents.

Meanwhile, Warisan, under Mohd Shafie Apdal, confirmed the party will contest all 73 state assembly seats alone. Shafie denied any secret negotiations with BN and emphasized that Warisan’s focus remains on engaging directly with voters rather than forming pre-election alliances.

Political analysts suggest that while BN has indicated the possibility of post-election cooperation, Warisan’s decision to contest independently reinforces its intention to secure a majority on its own. Any collaboration between the two parties is more likely after the election, depending on the results and seat distribution.