He said Umno and BN are prepared for the likelihood that no party or coalition will dominate the polls, despite their stated mission of seizing power from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.

“This is our chance to seize Sabah, but the reality is that according to analyses, no single party or coalition will be dominant,” he was quoted as saying in Putatan, Kota Kinabalu.

“God willing, Umno will cooperate with any coalition or party to form the state government and share power,” Berita Harian reported him as saying.

The Umno president also hit out at Sabahan parties who uphold the “Sabah for Sabahans” slogan, saying their rejection of “Malayan” parties is unreasonable given the defence of Sabah by Malaysians from other states against the 2013 Lahad Datu incursion.

“Who came to defend Sabah in Tanduo? The Malayans came to defend Sabah.

“Who ordered for military assets to be moved to Tanduo? Where was Esscom (Eastern Sabah Security Command)? (Former prime minister) Najib Razak set it up in Felda Sahabat (in Lahad Datu),” he said.

Zahid said Sabah Umno has been given autonomy to truly be for Sabah, and not be seen as a “Malayan party”.

“This is a party for Sabahans. It was Sabahans that asked Umno to come help the state. Umno and BN have brought development to Sabah. Give BN a chance,” he said.