KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Pakatan Harapan has yet to commence discussions on seat negotiations with other parties, despite the state election expected within the next 12 months.
State Pakatan chief Datuk Seri Christina Liew stated that seat discussions are currently limited to internal conversations among their component parties—PKR, DAP, Upko, and Amanah.
She emphasised that formal negotiations with other potential partner parties or coalitions would only begin once the Sabah State Legislative Assembly is dissolved.
“This is when we will really sit down and negotiate,” she said during an event on Friday (Oct 11).
“Of course, we have a fair idea of what we want, but it’s always subject to agreement from different parties. That’s why we try to avoid too many claims over seats. We aim for a healthy competition.”
Liew responded to comments made by Parti KDM president Datuk Peter Anthony, who stated that his party would contest independently in the upcoming state election and was targeting 30 to 35 seats.
Anthony mentioned that they would contest all the Kadazandusun Murut and Rungus seats, with additional targets in mixed majority areas.
In response to Parti KDM’s plans to contest nearly half of the 73 available seats, Liew remarked, “Anybody can claim whatever seats they want; that's their right. As I said, we will have to worry about it only when the time comes. However, I believe there is always a resolution to this, as there are many discussions taking place.”
Liew encouraged her PKR colleagues to focus on grassroots efforts, stating, “The best thing is, I always tell my PKR people, go on the ground and do your work.”
She currently serves as the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister.
Sabah Pakatan is part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led state government, which also includes Sabah Barisan Nasional.
Meanwhile, Parti KDM and Parti Warisan are part of the state Opposition but are also part of the Federal Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
When asked if she plans to defend her Api-Api state seat, Liew affirmed, “PKR will defend Api-Api.”
In addition to Api-Api, other seats held by Sabah Pakatan include Inanam (held by PKR), Kadamaian (Upko), and Luyang, Likas, Kapayan, and Tanjong Papat (all held by DAP).
