He said BN and Pakatan Harapan have “cooperation and understanding” in all the seats they are contesting, adding that any decision on the chief minister’s post will respect party hierarchy and established organisational processes.

Syura is a leadership decision-making process based on closed-door consultation and consensus among those in authority, rather than a public vote.

“We are confident that this time, the wave will move towards blue, and we will turn Sabah blue again,” he told reporters after the launch of the coalition’s manifesto here today.

“Sabah was a developed state under BN before. I believe that if BN is given the mandate again, God willing, we will work with other parties and coalitions to rebuild Sabah.”

BN unfazed by political attacks

Zahid also said BN remains undeterred by a series of increasingly aggressive political attacks ahead of the state polls, including targeted attacks against Sabah BN chief Bung Moktar Radin.

He said BN’s machinery remains motivated despite being targeted by various allegations during the first week of campaigning, which he said were aimed at undermining morale on the ground.

“We will never be demoralised by any attack or slander, whether physical or spiritual,” he said when asked about the “political bullets” allegedly directed at Umno and Bung.

Bung has faced personal attacks from several rival leaders, including allegations of failing as Sabah’s works minister, and criticism related to his wife during campaigning.

In the state election taking place on Nov 29, BN is contesting 45 of the 73 state seats, with 81% of its candidates being new faces.