Kota Kinabalu: Sabah PKR will continue negotiations with other component parties of Pakatan Harapan (PH) to finalise seat allocations for the coming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17).
Its Chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said this is a top priority that needs to be expedited following the conclusion of PKR’s division-level elections on Sunday.
He said leaders who had either won or lost in the election must now unite to strengthen party solidarity ahead of PRN17, which is expected to be held soon.
“I urge all winners and losers to close ranks and restore camaraderie so that we are ready to face PRN17.
“The party cannot afford to remain in disarray or lose focus on strengthening our election machinery and commitment to the struggle.
“Sabah PKR will proceed with negotiations with PH component parties to finalise seat distribution before opening discussions with potential allies such as Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS),” he said.
He was commenting on the recent division-level elections in Sabah PKR, which saw several veteran leaders defeated by new faces.
Among them was Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew, who is also Api-Api State Assemblywoman. She lost the contest for the Kota Kinabalu division chief post.
So far, Sabah PH has yet to finalise internal seat negotiations among its component parties, which are targeted for completion before engaging with other parties or coalitions.
Mustapha, who successfully retained his position as Kota Belud branch chief, reminded PKR leaders contesting in the elections to channel any complaints regarding the results through the party’s internal mechanisms if dissatisfied.
“The Central Election Committee (JPP) will review each complaint and conduct audits,” he said.
Commenting on the election, the Deputy Higher Education Minister said the PKR state-level polls were conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner.
“I congratulate the new and returning division chiefs for upholding the trust and heavy responsibility that lies ahead,” he said.