Kota Kinabalu: Sabah PKR has identified several potential seats to contest in the coming 17th State Election (PRN17) which must be called by 2025.
Its newly-minted Chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, however, refused to reveal the number and seats, apart from the Api-Api and Inanam state seats that the party will be defending.
“We do have plans to contest in more seats and will analyse several identified preferred seats based on our strength in the areas before it is brought to the PKR’s highest leadership for discussion and approval.
“We will definitely field candidates in the Inanam and Api-Api seats,” he said, and hinted that he might run for a state constituency, too.
“Maybe, if many people want me to contest for a state seat, I will consider it. We will announce this later,” said Mustapha, who is also Deputy Minister of Higher Education, in a press conference here, Monday.
The Api-Api seat is currently held by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew who is also the Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairman, while Inanam is held by State Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Peto Galim, who is also Sabah PKR deputy chief and election director.
Mustapha also pledged to continue supporting the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition State Government until the end of its term.
The Sepanggar MP said PKR values the political stability offered by the GRS and Pakatan Harapan government alliance.
But he also said his party has yet to decide on who to partner for the next state election.
“To us the relationship is going well and we want to ensure this continues and the State Government remains stable and we can do right by the people. We will support the Chief Minister until the end of term, we cannot afford to have another leadership crisis,” he said.
Asked if he was keen to extend the “comfortable” relationship between PH and Barisan Nasional at the federal level, Mustapha said Sabah PKR wants an amiable situation.
“We will find something which is comfortable for all parties. Because at the end of the day it is about the people,” said Mustapha.
He said as the new Sabah PKR Chairman, his priority is to strengthen the party.
“We have not begun any official discussions. Kupi-kupi talk, yes, that happens on a daily basis. But nothing official.
“The time will come when we will officially start the negotiation process,” he said.
Mustapha also said he wanted an end to the polemics of state versus national parties.
“This is not about local or national or Malayan parties, this is about leadership. This is what we have to fight for.
“Some call themselves a party for the local struggle but what if they cannot perform? This is how the people will evaluate. So we have to choose our partners wisely and strategically,” he said.
