KINABALU, El Sky News — Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, President of Barisan Nasional (BN), has firmly denied rumors of any “backroom deal” with Parti Warisan ahead of the Sabah state election. Zahid clarified that BN and Warisan will continue to contest in the same constituencies, underlining that there is no secret collaboration between the two parties.
Speaking at a press conference in Kota Kinabalu, Zahid described the rumors of clandestine negotiations as unfounded and misleading. He stressed that BN remains committed to fielding candidates in their traditional seats and will not step aside to make way for Warisan.
“We have not made any backroom deal with Warisan. BN will contest in the same seats as Warisan there is no secret collaboration taking place,” Zahid said.
He added that such claims likely emerged from political maneuvering by others seeking to sow confusion among voters. Zahid expressed confidence in BN’s candidates and grassroots support, saying the party is prepared to face Warisan directly at the polls.
Zahid also emphasized that while BN respects Warisan as a competitor, there is no agenda for secret alliances. He urged all parties to focus on policies and party vision rather than unverified rumors that could undermine the integrity of the election process. The Sabah state election represents a key battleground for BN to strengthen its position in the state. By publicly denying the alleged backroom deal, Zahid aimed to signal that BN seeks victory through open competition not through internal negotiations or secret compromises.
