AFTER a week’s delay, Perikatan Nasional launched the coalition and its logo in Kota Kinabalu tonight.

The launch was carried out by Bersatu secretary-general Hamzah Zainuddin, who is also home minister.

Among the leaders attending were Sabah Bersatu chief Hajiji Mohd Noor, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan, SAPP president Yong Teck Lee and Sabah Star president Jeffrey Pairin Kitingan.

Also at the launch was PBS secretary-general Jahid Noordin Jahim.

“Although PBS is not part of PN, we hope they will join us one day,” said Hamzah during the launch at the Sabah International Convention Centre.

Currently, PN consists of Bersatu, PAS, SAPP and Star after Barisan Nasional component MIC pulled out last week.

Umno has decided not to join PN and its representatives, as well as representatives from BN – MCA, MIC and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah – were notably absent.

The live broadcast of the launch on Sabah Bersatu’s Facebook, did not show prime minister and Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin in attendance.

Muhyiddin was expected to launch the PN coalition when he visited the state on August 29. 

But sources told The Malaysian Insight the launch was subsequently cancelled, without explaining why.

PN component parties Bersatu, PAS, SAPP and Star are expected to use the newly launched logo in the Sabah election, while BN are expected to maintain its dacing logo.

The election begins on Saturday with the filing of nominations in 73 state seats.

Unlike other parties that use a symbol, the PN logo consist of the words “Perikatan Nasional” set in white on a blue background. – September 9, 2020.