Bersatu's planned foray into Sabah is meant to ensure that the current state government can hold on to its position in the 15th general election (GE15), said a party leader.

Sabah Bersatu coordinator Mohd Rafiq Naizamohideen (photo) said this was in light of the initial difficulties Parti Warisan Sabah faced in forming the state government last year.

"As such, in the context of GE15, Pakatan Harapan must strengthen its position in each state as soon as possible, including in Sabah," Rafiq said in a statement last night.

Read more: Lim: Harapan leadership council should discuss Bersatu's move to Sabah

He said that Bersatu's entry into Sabah would help strengthen Warisan's position in the current state government.

Warisan and Harapan were two seats short of forming the Sabah state government following the May 9, 2018 polls.

Two lawmakers from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku Rakyat Sabah (Star) became the kingmakers, choosing to help Sabah BN form the state government on May 11.

This new government lasted less than 24 hours.

Six Sabah BN lawmakers then defected, giving Warisan president and subsequent chief minister Mohd Shafie Apdal control over 35 seats in the state legislative assembly.

Bersatu had pledged not to enter Sabah, but its chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced otherwise on Friday.

Shafie is expected to make an announcement on the matter today.