KOTA KINABALU, May 2 -- A proposed 40-33 seat distribution between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the upcoming Sabah election was negotiated by both coalition's top leaders and not just the state PKR team.

BN strategic communications director Datu Rosman Datu Ahir Zaman made the clarification today, after Sabah PKR denied negotiations had taken place.

"This offer remains open for negotiation, and in the absence of a mutual agreement, BN reserves the right to open discussions with any other parties that are willing to work together strategically for the sake of Sabah's stability and development," Rosman said in a statement.

"Any new cooperation, including in the form of a 'BN-PH Plus' alliance, will be discussed tran...