Kota Kinabalu: Sabah PKR chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud believes an unreleased video allegedly involving Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders, if true, could change the state’s political landscape.
“We thought that was it… but when this latest incident happened, we were quite shocked. We are now analysing its impact.
“I believe this will, to some extent, change the political landscape in the state,” he said, after chairing the party’s state leadership council (Majlis Pimpinan Negeri) meeting Sunday.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});A news portal reported that a new video — allegedly involving leaders from GRS component parties Star and PBS — has been recorded but not yet made public.
The footage is said to show discussions on political support and payments amounting to several million ringgit.
Mustapha said party machinery across Sabah has been told to stay alert and prepare for any possibility.
“We need to be ready for any possibility that may happen because of this latest video incident,” he said.
On possible cooperation with other parties, he said formal talks with GRS have not started, but PKR is open to it.
“GRS also wants to work with Pakatan Harapan and we welcome that. I think it’s time for us to start discussions — maybe over coffee first,” he said.
Meanwhile, negotiations with Barisan Nasional (BN) are almost complete.
“We’ve met with BN many times already and there’s only about 5pc left to resolve,” he said.
He also said culaan — ground-level voter profiling — is being carried out to understand the level of support in different areas.
“Through these culaan activities, at the very least, we’ll know the level of voter support… and that will become our basis when negotiating with any party that wants to work with us.”
During the meeting, Sabah PKR also announced its new state leadership line-up.
Mustapha remains as chairman, with Datuk Peto Galim as deputy and state election director.
Former Sabah PKR chief Datuk Christina Liew has been appointed party adviser, alongside Abdul Rahman Yakub.
Vice-chairmen are Datuk Sangkar Rasam, Azmi Datu Tambuyung and Mohd Amin Mem.
Datin Rupinah Pangeran and Zaidi Jatil continue as the heads of the women and youth wings respectively.
Other appointments include Abdul Razak Jamil as secretary and co-election director, Stefly Said as treasurer, Ahmad Farid Sainuri as information chief, Mohd Guntur Sangkar as communications director, Grace Lee as organising secretary, and Ag. Husaini Ag. Sahari as political bureau member.
