Latest news with #SabahBarisan
The Star
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Jeffrey Kitingan says he is willing to debate Bung on any issue
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan says he is ready to accept Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's challenge for a debate on any issue, including the 'Sabah for Sabahans' issue. Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah Barisan chairman, issued the challenge when launching Sabah Umno's Gerak17 campaign for the Sepanggar parliamentary constituency. Kitingan, who is Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) deputy chairman, also said the coalition is open to working with any party, but it will ultimately be the people who determine its political alliances. However, he said that the coalition of eight local parties has yet to decide on the matter. "We are willing to work with anyone for the sake of political stability but we have to listen to the people," he said when asked about the possibility of GRS teaming up with the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional alliance. "The elections are still some time away. For now, let's focus on what is currently on the table," he said. He added that GRS has begun preliminary meetings to discuss seat allocations.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Broader ‘BN-PH Plus' coalition discussed ahead of Sabah polls, says Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional is strengthening its alliance with Pakatan Harapan as it prepares for the upcoming Sabah state election, with discussions extending to a broader coalition tentatively dubbed 'BN-PH Plus', according to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Barisan chairman said the political cooperation in Sabah would be guided by both local Barisan leadership and central leadership to ensure a strong and unified front. "We leave it to the wisdom of Sabah Barisan, with strategic guidance from the federal level, to chart a prudent path toward achieving political dominance through consensus," he told reporters after officiating the 2025 Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) Exhibition and Conference, and the declaration of the Asean Franchise Convention (AFC) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here on Thursday (May 8). To a question on cooperation with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said Barisan remains open to alliances with any political party. "Our principle is to keep our doors wide open, and not to shut them completely,' he said, suggesting that political manoeuvring in Sabah still has ample room for new partnerships. On seat allocations, Ahmad Zahid said it was premature to finalise any decision, noting that detailed negotiations would take place later. Prior to this, Sabah Barisan confirmed plans to contest 40 of the 73 state seats available in the upcoming state election, with the remaining 33 seats allocated to Pakatan. – Bernama
