Kota Kinabalu: Negotiations between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) on seat allocations for the coming state election are almost complete, with only a few constituencies left to be decided, said Sabah PKR Chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
He said discussions with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) had also begun and would take more time, but expressed confidence they could be concluded soon.
“In negotiations there will always be differences, but what matters is ensuring political stability. Stability in Sabah will also help strengthen the Federal Government,” Mustapha said, who is also a member of PKR’s Political Bureau.
He was speaking to the media after the MyKasih donation programme at Bataras Hypermarket Kolombong, here, Thursday.
Citing neighbouring Indonesia as an example, Mustapha said ongoing political turmoil there showed why Malaysia and Sabah must safeguard stability.
He said PKR had already drawn up a list of potential candidates for each constituency, made up of both new and incumbent figures, including professionals and former civil servants.
“For PKR, we want to field the best candidates to contest winnable seats. Our aim is to strengthen representation in the State Assembly and continue to carry the voice of reform,” he said.
Mustapha said as a basic principle, seats previously won by a party should remain with that party in the coming polls.
He stressed that political stability is vital, not only for the welfare of the people in Sabah but also for ensuring continuity in the federal administration led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.