Barisan Nasional’s decision to field prominent candidates in the Sabah election appears robust, but analysts warn the coalition must rebuild voter trust in its stability message.
Bilcher Bala from Universiti Malaysia Sabah highlighted the fallout from the 2023 Kinabalu Move, orchestrated by Sabah BN chairman Bung Moktar Radin.
The manoeuvre pushed BN into opposition and saw six assemblymen back chief minister Hajiji Noor’s government.
“That move stripped BN of state-level influence and damaged trust at the grassroots and leadership levels,” Bilcher told FMT.
“If loyalty and direction issues remain unaddressed, internal divisions could hamper BN’s machinery and erode faith in its stability narrative.”
BN will contest 41 seats with candidates from Umno, MCA, and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) in the November 29 polls.
Bung will defend Lamag, held since 2020, while PBRS president and deputy federal minister Arthur Joseph Kurup runs in Sook.
Ex-communications and multimedia minister Salleh Said Keruak will protect Usukan，But former urban well-being, housing and local government minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan has withdrawn as candidate for the Tempasuk seat.
Bilcher noted that featuring veterans like Salleh and Rahman shows BN blending big names with technocrats to attract diverse voters.
He added that success hinges on holding key areas such as Lamag, Usukan, and Tempasuk.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Mazlan Ali said fielding 41 candidates underscores BN’s ambition to regain footing in Sabah.
“Though bold, it aligns with BN’s pact with Pakatan Harapan,” he explained.
“It signals a clear push to reclaim state power.”
