KOTA KINABALU, Oct 5 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) is not seeking a large number of seats in its seat-sharing pact with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for the upcoming state election, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah chief Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud.
He said this when asked about the departure of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) Sabah and Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) from GRS, whose leaders cited concerns over the coalition’s forthcoming seat allocation arrangement with PH.
“There are only four component parties in PH Sabah, so I don’t think the number of seats we’re asking for is a lot.
“Why are we not asking for many seats? Because for us, political stability at the state and national levels is far more important,” he told reporters at the Jelajah Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) programme in Kampung Darau, Menggatal, on Saturday.
Mustapha said PH is prepared for any outcome following STAR and SAPP’s exit, while expressing hope that the remaining GRS parties will remain united.
“What’s important is that we ensure political stability in our state and country,” he said.
On seat allocation talks, Mustapha said discussions are ongoing and expected to conclude before the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly.
He added that PKR would work to defend its existing seats, including Api-Api held by Datuk Seri Christina Liew and Inanam held by Datuk Ir Peto Galim.
“As for candidates, they are still being evaluated. The PKR president is expected to make an announcement when the time comes,” he said.
Sources said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor had informed the GRS Presidential Council meeting on Wednesday that the coalition intended to allocate 18 of the 73 state seats to PH, which was itself requesting 21 to 23 seats in ongoing negotiations.
The next day, GRS Secretary-General Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said STAR President Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and SAPP President Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee had informed the meeting of their intention to use their own party symbols in the state election. Both leaders cited concerns over being bound by the impending seat allocation agreement between GRS and federal coalition partner PH.
Following an open discussion, the meeting resolved that any component party choosing to field candidates under a different logo would be considered to have exited the coalition.
Meanwhile, Mustapha commended the ANMS roadshow organised by the Kota Kinabalu Area Health Office (PKK) and State Health Department (JKNS), saying it aims to transform the national health system from patient care to proactive health care.
He said such initiatives foster cooperation with strategic partners and promote public awareness of healthy living.
“This effort to cultivate a healthy lifestyle is a shared responsibility. Every agency must be fully committed to ensuring its success,” he added. — The Borneo Post
