UMNO does not rule out the possibility of five-cornered contests in the Sabah State Election (PRN).

UMNO Supreme Council member, Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan, however, stressed that the party and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) will try to avoid clashing with each other by reaching negotiations between
them.

"I think the Sabah PRN this time will be very exciting, there will not be two corners. If there are two corners between say Warisan and PN and their friends, of course, there is another party, Datuk Seri Anifah Aman has a new party, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has a new party, there are even many independent candidates this time.

"We cannot avoid three, four or five-cornered contests. However, we basically want UMNO and friends to avoid three-cornered contests.

"However, if there is an area that is not negotiable or very difficult to negotiate, maybe the way is free for all. I do not encourage it as this is an advantage to Warisan. I think PN leaders are experienced and are able to find the best way without being emotional and feel they need to compromise with other parties," he said in an interview via Skype on Tuesday.

In the meantime, said Abdul Rahman, more new faces will be featured by UMNO in the PRN Sabah this time because almost all the old leaders have moved to Bersatu.

Earlier, Sabah UMNO Liaison Chairman, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the party will feature 85 to 90 per cent new faces in the PRN.

He stressed that his party is actively conducting research to ensure that the individual nominated can win and be accepted by the people.