KOTA KINABALU: Seat negotiations for the coming Sabah election among state Barisan Nasional partners are still ongoing with nothing finalised, says Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
However, he did not want to reveal the number of seats PBRS was eyeing to contest in the election due by September this year.
PBRS, the only Sabah-based party in the four-party Barisan coalition, contested five seats under Barisan in the 2020 state election but lost its once stronghold Sook as well as the neighbouring Tulid, which was newly created.
The party also failed to secure Matunggong, Tandek and Kadamaian.
Speaking to reporters after launching the Sabah Ramadan Bazaar at Asia City Farmers Market here, the Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister, said he preferred to keep their target number of seats a secret.
When asked if PBRS was now eyeing the interior Melalap seat held by Parti KDM president Datuk Peter Anthony, who is currently serving jail time for forgery, Kurup said as in any seat negotiations Melalap could be part of it.
"Discussions are ongoing, there is no major decision yet on the seats.
"The numbers (seats) are fluctuating now, it is difficult to say. There is no decision yet," he said, adding that all the 73 seats will become "hot seats" in negotiations.
PBRS together with Umno, MCA and MIC form Sabah Barisan.
"As a party in Barisan, we are indeed discussing with the party leadership where it is appropriate for each party to field candidates," the Pensiangan MP said.
On Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's inclination for Sabah Barisan to work with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Kurup stressed that PBRS has its own stand, which prioritises political stability in the state.
"Our stand has always been consistent, we want to see a formula to ensure a stable government so that we can work together and develop the state of Sabah.
“The people are fed up with political instability since the last term.
Sabah Barisan and state Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin is not keen to work with GRS led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and has no issues to form an electoral pact with Sabah Pakatan Harapan for the election.
MCA has also said that it would be contesting in the state election.
