SHAH ALAM: Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional (PN) have identified a candidate for the next Sabah chief minister, should the coalition secure victory in the upcoming state election, said Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
He said the name of the local candidate would only be announced at the appropriate time.
“Of course, we have a candidate, but I cannot reveal it now.
“We will only announce it closer to the election.
“The chief minister must, of course, be someone from Sabah.
“We are only here to lend our support to ensure our allies win,” he told reporters at a press conference today.
Earlier, Hamzah opened the annual general meeting of Bersatu’s party wings.
Also present were Bersatu vice-presidents Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin, and Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.
The party’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Youth chief Muhammad Hilman Idham, Srikandi chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, Srikandi Muda chief Nurul Ezzati Azmi, and Bersatu Alliance Wing chief Dr Chong Fat Full were also in attendance.
Hamzah, who is the opposition leader, said internal divisions among the ruling parties could work in PN’s favour during the state polls.
“While they may appear united, the reality is they are bickering among themselves.
“What matters most to us is that the people want something better.
“We are ready to step in and offer that to the people,” he said.
Commenting on Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Hamzah said the former PN ally had shifted allegiances, to the detriment of the people.
“I must admit, Hajiji was once our representative. But he took the support we had built for the sake of the party and crossed over.
“In the end, it is the people who suffer,” he said.
The Sabah state election is expected to be held by the end of the year, with most constituencies likely to see at least four-cornered contests.
Sabah Umno and Barisan Nasional remain firm in their decision not to cooperate with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, while Parti Warisan has opted to contest solo.
PN is likely to ally with a local party for the state election.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
