Sepanggar MP Datuk Mustapha Sakmud has been urged to focus on his parliamentary constituency before considering contesting for the Tempasuk state seat in the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN-17).
President of Pertubuhan Prihatin Rakyat Sabah (PPRS), Datuk Mohd Fadli Fathullah, said Mustapha should prioritize addressing long-standing issues in Sepanggar rather than shifting his political ambitions elsewhere.
"As Sepanggar’s representative, he should concentrate on fulfilling his current responsibilities. So far, there have been no significant changes under his leadership, particularly in resolving the ongoing water crisis and economic development in the area," he said in a statement on Saturday.
Fadli also pointed out that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, has already announced Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari from Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) as the candidate for Tempasuk.
"Therefore, I advise him to focus on Sepanggar and ensure that the trust given by the people is well-fulfilled before considering contesting at the state level," he added.
Mustapha, who is also the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Chairman of Sabah PKR, had recently hinted at his intention to contest in PRN-17. He is considering Tempasuk, a seat he previously contested but lost in a past election.