Barisan Nasional in Sabah has unveiled its candidates for 41 seats in the 29 November state election, featuring two former federal ministers in the lineup.
Sabah BN chairman Bung Moktar Radin, who revealed the list, will defend his Lamag seat, which he captured in 2020.
Abdul Rahman Dahlan, once urban wellbeing, housing and local government minister, will contest Tempasuk. Salleh Said Keruak, communications and multimedia minister from 2015 to 2018, will hold Usukan.
Arthur Joseph Kurup, current deputy agriculture and food security minister, takes on Sook.
BN claimed 14 seats five years ago, though some assemblymen now support chief minister Hajiji Noor’s administration.
Teaming up with Pakatan Harapan for these polls, the coalition remains in opposition in Sabah.
Nominations open on 15 November, with early voting on 25 November. A total of 73 seats are at stake.
BN Launches ‘Bikin Balik Sabah’ Campaign
KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional has rolled out the slogan ‘Bikin Balik Sabah’—Rebuild Sabah—for the 17th Sabah State Election, aiming to rally supporters and voters towards lasting change and growth.
BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the theme promises to spark the state’s economy, creating jobs for locals, drawing investments, and empowering youth, women, and rural businesses to stand on their own.
“Sabah stays for Sabahans. We aim to make ‘Bikin Balik Sabah’ real. In this vote, we’ll be the turning point, driving bold shifts for Sabah folks,” he said at the launch of BN’s election machinery here today.
Present were BN deputy chairman Mohamad Hasan; Sabah BN chairman Bung Moktar Radin; BN vice-chairman MCA Wee Ka Siong, who leads MCA; BN vice-president Arthur Joseph Kurup, PBRS president; BN secretary-general Zambry Abdul Kadir; and BN treasurer-general Johari Abdul Ghani.
As Umno president and deputy prime minister, Ahmad Zahid added that the slogan stresses better unity in Sabah, free from power tussles that harm peace.
“We seek a steady government with integrity, focused on leading people—not using them for politics. Folks need confidence that their future and Sabah bonds are secure,” he said.
Political steadiness, he noted, is vital to push Sabah towards progress and plenty.
Ahmad Zahid called the election a chance to pick a government that tackles issues fast, unlike past polls with 14 parties and logo clutter.
Key fixes include steady clean water and power supplies, plus wiping out poverty.
“Sabahans long for Barisan Nasional. It’s up to us to give back through top service from our assemblymen, should we prevail,” he said.
He confirmed Umno would field only local candidates for the 29 November polls, none from the Peninsula.
About The Author
