Ph Not Demanding Many Sabah Seats Says Pkr Chief

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Sabah PKR leader Mustapha Sakmud says Pakatan Harapan wants to preserve political stability in both the state and Putrajaya.
Sabah PKR chief Mustapha Sakmud said the party will focus on defending its existing seats, including Api-Api and Inanam held by Christina Liew and Peto Galim, respectively. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Harapan is not demanding a large number of seats in its partnership with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah in the coming Sabah election, says state PKR chief Mustapha Sakmud
Mustapha said Sabah PH, with only four component parties, has never intended to ask for many seats as it prioritises political stability at both the state and federal levels.
He said PH is prepared for any outcome following the exit of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku and Sabah Progressive Party from GRS, while expressing hope that the remaining component parties will remain united.
“What is important is that we ensure political stability in our state and country,” Borneo Post reported him as saying when asked about the departure of STAR and SAPP from GRS because of disagreement on the pact with PH.
Mustapha, who is the Sepanggar MP, said talks on seat allocations are ongoing and expected to conclude before the dissolution of the state assembly.
He also said PKR will defend its existing seats, including the Api-Api and Inanam seats currently held by Christina Liew and Peto Galim, respectively.
“Candidates are still being evaluated. The PKR president is expected to make an announcement when the time comes,” he said.
STAR and SAPP left GRS on Wednesday night following disagreement over the coalition’s partnership with PH in the coming state polls.
Yesterday, STAR information chief Anuar Ghani claimed GRS offered to allocate PH 23 seats, which he described as excessive and contrary to the sentiments of Sabahans.
However, GRS secretary-general Masidi Manjun rubbished the claim, noting that seat negotiations had not even been finalised.
He told FMT that GRS wants to contest 55 of the 73 seats that will be up for grabs, and allocate the remaining 18 to PH.
“I believe (23 seats) is what PH is trying to ask for,” said the state minister. - FMT

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