Bilcher Bala of Universiti Malaysia Sabah said this was particularly important given the lingering effects of the failed Kinabalu Move in 2023, led by Sabah BN chairman Bung Moktar Radin.

This not only shifted BN into the opposition bloc, but saw six of its assemblymen throwing their support behind the administration of chief minister Hajiji Noor.

“That not only cost BN its influence in the state government but also eroded trust among grassroots members and party leaders,” Bilcher told FMT.

“If it does not address the questions of loyalty and leadership direction, the internal cracks could weaken BN’s machinery and undermine voter confidence in its narrative of stability.”

BN will field 41 candidates from Umno, MCA and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) for the Nov 29 polls.

Bung will defend Lamag, the seat he has held since 2020, while PBRS president and deputy federal minister Arthur Joseph Kurup will contest Sook.

Abdul Rahman Dahlan, a former urban well-being, housing and local government minister, will stand in Tempasuk, while Salleh Said Keruak, who was the communications and multimedia minister from 2015 to 2018, will defend the Usukan seat.

Bilcher said the inclusion of experienced politicians like Salleh and Rahman demonstrated BN’s attempt to combine influential figures with technocrats to appeal to various voter groups.

He also said that BN’s chances would depend largely on retaining strongholds such as Lamag, Usukan and Tempasuk.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Mazlan Ali said contesting 41 seats signalled BN’s determination to reclaim political ground in Sabah.

“While it may seem surprising, the move stems from the cooperation forged between BN and Pakatan Harapan,” he said.

“It clearly shows BN’s intent to regain control of the state.”