KUALA LUMPUR – PKR has confirmed its intention to contest in 10 seats in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, signalling its ambition to play a key role in the state's political contest.
PKR’s Deputy President, Nurul Izzah Anwar, said that the decision was finalised following discussions with party leadership and allies entrusted with strengthening Sabah's voice.
"We (PKR) have been entrusted with the responsibility to contest in 10 seats to ensure that efforts to champion Sabah’s interests are realised. As emphasised by PMX, we will continue with determination to work and listen to the people of Sabah," she wrote on Facebook today.
Nurul Izzah, who is also the former Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh, stressed that the party’s participation in these 10 constituencies was not merely a campaign strategy, but a mission to advance the fight for Sabah's rights.
She linked the mandate to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership, emphasising the national agenda for Sabah’s voice to be heard.
“Since the formation of the Madani Government in 2022, efforts to implement the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) have been intensified and accelerated. Over the past three years, the Madani Government has successfully resolved nine key demands, something previous administrations failed to achieve,” she added.
However, she cautioned that the struggle was far from over and stressed the significant risks if the mandate was not upheld.
“Do not derail these efforts. Do not let this struggle be cut short. If the Madani Government is not entrusted with continuing this fight for Sabah’s interests, everything we’ve built over the past three years will be undone,” she warned.
"We need stronger support from the people of Sabah to ensure that Sabah’s rights are fully realised,” she added.
Earlier, Barisan Nasional (BN) Sabah announced 41 candidates to contest in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election.
Meanwhile, Anwar, who is PKR president reminded the party's candidates and election machinery for the Sabah state elections to engage with the electorate directly, addressing local concerns and explaining the government's efforts in tackling issues affecting the state.
According to two PKR leaders, Anwar’s message was conveyed during his speech at the PKR President’s Mandate Ceremony earlier today, ahead of the upcoming state polls at the end of this month.
Senior Political Secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, explained that Anwar highlighted the importance of PKR candidates and election machinery engaging with the public to communicate the government's efforts in addressing local issues.
"In this context, cooperation between the Federal Government and the Sabah State Government must be enhanced to provide the best possible service to the people," Shamsul said after the event.
Shamsul, who is also the Melaka PKR Chairman, noted that Anwar emphasised the need for closer collaboration between PKR’s machinery in Sabah and the party’s leadership at the central, state, and divisional levels to ensure effective preparations for the state elections.
“All party leaders have been mobilised to visit the grassroots in Sabah alongside divisional leaders. The Central Leadership Council and state leaders will also support the campaign here,” he added.
Sabah PKR Chairman, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, remarked that Anwar’s mandate reinforced the need for comprehensive preparation, urging the party’s machinery and candidates to address local issues effectively.
"The message is clear – the machinery must be fully prepared to engage with the grassroots and address fundamental issues such as water supply, infrastructure, education, and economic development," he said.
The campaign will also focus on highlighting the initiatives of the Madani Government in resolving issues facing the Sabah State Government.
Regarding Datuk Ewon Benedick’s resignation as Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Mustapha described it as premature, noting that there was still room for dialogue over the issue of Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement.
“The decision on whether to appeal the High Court ruling on the 40% revenue claim for Sabah has not yet been made. There is still plenty of room for discussions on this matter,” Mustapha said. - November 9, 2025
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