KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 16 -- Barisan Nasional (BN) has confirmed that it has not held any official discussions with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) on seat negotiations or cooperation ahead of the Sabah state election.

According to national dailyUtusan Malaysia, BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi acknowledged that at least three-cornered fights were unavoidable due to the likelihood of participation by other parties, including new ones.

He stressed, however, that there would be no clashes or overlapping seats between BN and its ally, Pakatan Harapan (PH), while respecting negotiations between PH and GRS.

"What has been finalised is BN-PH, and we respect PH-GRS. There are no direct negotiations between BN and GRS. So far, any other talks...