KOTA KINABALU – Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah has unveiled its lineup of 41 candidates for the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17), with each candidate vying for a seat in the State Legislative Assembly.
The announcement was made by BN Sabah chairman, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, during a press event held at the UMNO building in the city on Sunday, local media reported.
Bung Moktar confirmed that BN Sabah would participate in the PRN17 under the dacing symbol, which has long been associated with the party.
“After a thorough process of consultation, evaluation, and assessment, BN Sabah is proud to present candidates who are entrusted with the party’s mission for this election,” he said.
“These candidates represent a blend of experience, competence, and dedication to public service. They have been chosen to lead the charge for reform in Sabah, with a focus on prioritising the needs of the people of Sabah.”
He also highlighted that more than 30 percent of the candidates are young individuals, underscoring BN’s commitment to empowering youth and providing them with a platform to shape the state’s future, particularly in areas like quality employment, digital innovation, and local economic development.
“Most of our candidates have solid educational backgrounds, with many holding bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Two of them are medical doctors,” Bung Moktar added. “This shows that our candidates are not only experienced but also intellectually and professionally qualified to lead Sabah’s economic, technological, and social development agendas.”
The candidates include those standing for constituencies such as Banggi, Bengkoka, Pitas, Tanjung Kapur, and Tempasuk, as well as others representing constituencies like Darau, Tanjung Keramat, Kawang, and Pantai Manis. Additionally, seats in Bongawan, Membakut, Klias, and Kuala Penyu will also be contested by BN candidates, along with many others.
In conjunction with the announcement, BN also launched its slogan for the election, “Bikin Balik Sabah” (Rebuild Sabah), designed to inspire both party supporters and voters to bring about positive change and development in the state.
BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi explained that the slogan encapsulates the party’s vision for revitalising Sabah’s economy, creating job opportunities for locals, attracting investment, and supporting youth, women, and rural entrepreneurs.
“Sabah is for Sabahans, and we want the slogan ‘Bikin Balik Sabah’ to be fully realised. This election must be a game-changer, one that brings substantial improvements to the lives of the people of Sabah,” said Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister.
He added that under this banner, BN would work to foster greater unity in Sabah, moving away from the political divisions that have weakened the state.
“We need a government that values integrity and maturity, a government that will protect the people from being used for political gain. The people want assurance that their future and unity as Sabahans will be safeguarded,” he said.
The UMNO president also emphasised the need for political stability as a foundation for Sabah’s progress and prosperity.
“This election is not about a contest of party logos, as we’ve seen in the past with multiple parties involved,” he explained. “It is about electing a government that can tackle the real issues—such as providing clean water, electricity, and tackling poverty.”
Ahmad Zahid concluded by reaffirming that BN’s candidates for the upcoming state election will all be locals, with the party prioritising Sabahans for all its candidacies.
The 17th Sabah State Election is scheduled for November 29, 2025. – November 9, 2025