SANDAKAN: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Deputy President Nurul Izzah Anwar said the sentiment among Sabahans to support local parties is not a challenge to PKR but something the party embraced from the very beginning.
Nevertheless, she said all PKR candidates in the State are Sabah-born, reflecting the party’s respect for aspirations of local people.
“It is important that they carry the spirit of wanting the best for the State’s development, and that begins with a proper understanding of who is fit to lead,” she said.
She added that Sabah is seen as a mature state, having experienced several changes of government and hosting a wide variety of political parties.
“Sabah is among the most politically mature, especially in terms of the number of politicians and parties contesting. Therefore, we want the best to be put forward, not based on wrong assumptions or toxic attempts to inflame sentiments,” she said.
Nurul Izzah also reminded that political manoeuvring should not be divisive but focus on finding good solutions for the people’s wellbeing.
“From the very beginning, Sabah has been an inspiration to us in Peninsular Malaysia because of its unity and the inclusive nature of its diverse communities.
“That is what I mean by recognising the differences and we are always ready to give our support. Ultimately, it is the people of Sabah who will decide,” she said when met after attending the launch of the N54 Karamunting and N50 Gum-Gum election machinery, Friday.
Nurul Izzah further stressed that the number of seats the party would contest in the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN) would be determined based on the voices of the people and the needs of Sabah.
She said although she had mentioned the figure of 13 seats at the previous PKR Congress, the number was more symbolic in celebrating the spirit of the struggle.
“What matters most is ensuring that the justice movement that took root in Sabah in 1999 continues to thrive.
“We want strong cooperation because the issues faced here – such as infrastructure, citizenship, other sectors of development and the legacy of past administrations – require elected representatives with a clear vision and mission for development, so that in the next five to 10 years Sabah’s situation improves,” she said.
Hence, priority is not merely the number of seats but producing leaders with foresight.
“To me, visionary leadership is what matters. The number of seats is not the main issue, but as a coalition, of course within Pakatan Harapan we want to ensure our voice adds value for the people of Sabah,” she said.