Kota Kinabalu: The Barisan Nasional (BN) will go all out to retain Sabah in the next general election, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said here Wednesday.

He said some quarters misunderstood that Sabah was presumably the "fixed deposit" of the BN when the State was just as important as any other in the country.

"Sabah is very important to us (the BN). We cannot afford to lose Sabah. We must defend it at all costs," he said at a breakfast gathering with members of the Sabah Council of Former Elected Representatives (Mubarak) and Umno veterans, here. Also present was Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

Muhyiddin said it was hoped that Mubarak would continue to play a role in assisting the BN Government implement its policies and development programmes by going to the ground and getting closer to the people, especially at the grassroots level.

"Although you (Mubarak members) have now found time to spend with your families, I believe you still want to serve the people in any way possible and, for that, the Government acknowledges and appreciates your kind efforts.

"I am sure you still keep abreast of the current political developments and worry if something is going wrong. The BN has been serving the people for over 50 years and the people have developed their trust in us.

We cannot fail them now," he said.

Muhyiddin also reminded Mubarak that the people today placed high expectations on the Government following developments in information and communications technology.

"There are some people who are promising the moon and the stars.

Mubarak can play a role in dismissing the lies and empty promises that can bring a negative influence on the people.

"We realise we are elected by the people. Therefore, while we ask the people to judge our work, we must ensure that we give them the best so that they will continue to support us and grant us a win in the election," he said.