{
  "id": 20167049,
  "title": "BN to skip Sarawak state polls under Umno-PBB understanding, says Zahid",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/bn-to-skip-sarawak-state-polls-under-umno-pbb-understanding-says-zahid-20167049",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T11:00:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/15/bn-to-skip-sarawak-state-polls-under-umno-pbb-understanding-says-zahid/243400"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Barisan Nasional (BN) has announced it will not participate in the 13th Sarawak state election, according to its chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. This decision is based on an understanding between Umno and PBB, which Zahid clarified as the rationale behind BN's stance. Speaking to reporters at the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Deepavali open house, Zahid emphasized BN's decision not to contest any state seats in Sarawak. The Election Commission has scheduled the election for December 12, with nominations set for November 28. The possibility of Parliament being dissolved remains under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's jurisdiction, who holds the right and mandate to make such a decision. Regarding the political crisis in Negeri Sembilan, Zahid stated that efforts would be made to resolve the situation promptly, ensuring the state administration operates smoothly and in line with the state constitution.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 — Barisan Nasional (BN) will not contest any seats in the 13th Sarawak state election, its ch...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Sarawak polls: GPS to unveil 82 candidates on Nov 25",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/sarawak-polls-gps-to-unveil-82-candidates-on-nov-25",
        "published": "2026-11-15T05:54:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "GPS to announce candidates for Sarawak polls on Nov 25, says Abang Jo",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/gps-to-announce-candidates-for-sarawak-polls-on-nov-25-says-abang-jo",
        "published": "2026-11-15T08:01:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Vibes",
        "title": "Zahid confirms BN will sit out Sarawak polls",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/zahid-confirms-bn-will-sit-out-sarawak-polls",
        "published": "2026-11-15T09:34:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}