KOTA KINABALU: Sabah PKR contenders unhappy with the outcome of the recent division chief elections are urged to channel their grievances through the party’s internal mechanisms, says Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
The Sabah PKR chief said the upcoming central leadership council meeting on Wednesday (April 23) will provide a platform for such concerns to be heard.
He also said the meeting would allow the central election committee (JPP) to present a detailed explanation of the 2025 party election results nationwide.
“If there are candidates in Sabah who are dissatisfied with the outcome, they should submit their complaints directly to the JPP without delay. This is the proper process to ensure a fair evaluation,” he said in a statement on Monday (April 21).
He stressed that the party is committed to addressing legitimate concerns while upholding transparency and integrity in the election process.
“This is part of our commitment to ensuring the party elections are conducted fairly and justly,” he added.
Mustapha, who is also Deputy Higher Education Minister, retained his position as Kota Belud PKR chief after defeating two challengers.
The Sepanggar MP garnered 1,405 votes, ahead of Madeli @ Modily Bangali (100 votes) and Azhrie Jenaim (67 votes).
He thanked his supporters and party machinery, saying their backing would continue to strengthen his push for reform and the Malaysia Madani agenda.
“This is a heavy responsibility, especially with the state election expected to take place soon,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to serving the people and strengthening the party’s presence in Sabah.
Meanwhile, Sabah PKR secretary Sazalye Donol Abdullah has expressed his intention to file an official protest with the JPP following his defeat in the Kota Marudu division race.
“I will be submitting a formal protest soon,” said Sazalye, who is also a special officer to the Chief Minister.
He raised concerns over the online voting process, claiming it lacked transparency and was conducted without any witnesses present during vote tallying.
“I have long questioned the transparency of the PKR 2025 elections. Despite previous warnings, the central party ignored the concerns raised by grassroots members,” he said.
Sazalye, who came in third in a four-way race, was defeated by Sabah PKR Youth chief Zaidi Jatil.
