23/11/2025

NATIONAL 3 theSun on Sunday NOV 23, 2025

BN determined to fulfil MA63 rights, says DPM

KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) ushered in a new era of unity in Sabah politics as both coalitions campaigned side by side in support of PH candidate for Tanjung Aru Datuk Chan Foong Hin from DAP. The presence of BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and DAP deputy secretary-general Hannah Yeoh together was meant to not only send a message of a unified stand but also shore up momentum for Chan’s campaign in the state election. Zambry described the night’s atmosphere with the presence of BN and PH as symbolic of the ties that have been fostered under the Unity government since three years ago. “I see two colours grabbing my attention. The blue and the red. That is the strength we show in the name of the Unity government.” Also present were DAP vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan and Putatan Umno deputy chief Reduan Aklee. “The blue and red, ladies and gentlemen, isn’t the first time. It has been three years. I’m confident that with the spirit we show, the understanding we have, our cooperation, we all represent one government, the Unity government, the Madani government, for our country, for stability and for our prosperity.” Zambry said the choice of Chan for Tanjung Aru provides a significant advantage to residents as the combination of Chan as Kota Kinabalu MP and Plantation and Commodities deputy minister would be a two fold benefit to the constituency. He described the “Kasi Chan sama Chan” campaign tagline as a creative idea. Yeoh described the BN and PH campaign as a new political moment for Sabah. “You can see a lot of candidates but that means nothing if a candidate is substandard. Most important is somebody with a proven record. Alhough Chan is a deputy minister, every weekend, he makes it a point to be in Sabah. That is the kind of representative you actually want.” – Bernama on Friday. He added that the approach gives him more space to explain his party’s development plans and manifesto clearly and effectively. The Kawang and Pantai Manis state constituencies, which have 23,823 and 20,026 voters respectively, are two of the three state seats under the Papar parliamentary constituency. – Bernama Show of unified stand by ruling coalition in Tanjung Aru

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) is offering six development thrusts for the state, including a commitment to resolve long-standing fundamental issues within a single term, said the coalition’s chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He urged Sabahans to assess the manifesto as a genuine commitment rather than a political promise although the party recognises its position as an underdog in the upcoming state polls. KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional (BN) will make efforts to fulfil all of Sabah’s claims under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) if it is given the mandate in the 17th Sabah State Election, said BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said he would personally pursue the matter to ensure Sabah’s rights under the agreement are fully realised. Ahmad Zahid, who is deputy prime minister, said BN’s commitment to MA63 is not political rhetoric but a continuation of the struggle that began under the previous BN administration and is being pursued under the current Madani government. “I will personally press for it to be carried out fully at the Cabinet level. Insya-Allah , Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, as president of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, a BN component party in Sabah, would also raise the previous Barisan administration’ ‘Commitment by Madani government not political rhetoric but continuation of struggle that began under

Ahmad Zahid presenting the manifesto to Bung Moktar during the event in Kota Kinabalu yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

unemployment rate in the country. “There are 169,000 unemployed individuals from Sabah. That is why education initiatives through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training ecosystem are being emphasised in Sabah.” Ahmad Zahid said several major projects would be expedited if BN returns to lead the state government, including the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway, development of a major port in Kudat and plans for a new airport. of Sabahans. Ahmad Zahid said Sabah received the highest allocation under Budget 2026, reflecting the federal government’s strong commitment to the state’s development. In the upcoming polls, BN is contesting 45 out of the 73 state seats, with 81% of its candidates being new faces, including nearly half of whom are professionals and young people. Polling day has been set for Nov 29 while early voting will take place on Nov 25. – Bernama Manis, said the traditional strategy remains important and relevant as it complements social media campaigning. He said face-to-face engagement remains the most effective platform for building trust and ultimately winning over voters. “This is important alongside ceramah ,” he said after visiting residents in Kampung Kelanahan

burden, stressing that such remarks do not reflect BN’s actual position, which has always been open to ensure that Sabah’s

matter,” he said after launching the BN manifesto here yesterday. Also present at the event at the Sabah Umno Building were

rights are upheld in line with the F e d e r a l Constitution, Bernama reported. He added that resolving Sabah’s basic infrastructure

State BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Wanita BN chief

issues is a key factor in attracting foreign direct investment, which in turn would create more job opportunities for youths in Sabah, which has the highest

Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. Ahmad Zahid also rejected allegations that MA63 is a

Manifesto with six development thrusts unveiled “Rest assured, no group will be left behind in the

manifesto, in line with the authority granted by the party’s central leadership to the state. He said with 45 candidates fielded, he is confident that Sabah BN would be able to implement every plan comprehensively if it receives the people’s mandate on voting day. He also emphasised the need to resolve fundamental infrastructure issues, including roads, water supply and electricity, which he described as the current priorities

commitments outlined in this manifesto,” he said at the BN manifesto launch yesterday. He said the manifesto, the “One Sabah Development Plan” unveiled yesterday, was not drafted hastily but completed a week before nomination day on Nov 15. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Umno president, said BN and Sabah Umno have full autonomy to implement all the pledges outlined in the

First-time candidates opt for door-to-door campaigning PAPAR: As the 17th Sabah State Election campaign continues, two first-time candidates in Papar continue to rely on a classic approach – going from door to door to meet voters in person. concerns and views on local issues in each village. Barisan Nasional (BN) Sometimes there are six or seven people in one house.

“At the same time, I get direct feedback on the problems in each village. Every village faces different issues,” he said after visiting residents in Kampung Langsat and Kampung Sabok near Kinarut. Datuk Pengiran Saifudin Pengiran Tahir, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah candidate for Pantai

candidate for the Kawang seat Datuk Jamal Norubit said the door-to-door visits offer a personal touch and allow him to better understand the issues in every village in the constituency. “The most important thing is that I can reach voters’ hearts. We become closer to them.

Although the method may seem old-fashioned in the digital age, both candidates believe the approach allows them to mingle and interact directly with voters while providing space to hear