Mustapha (seated, centre) says Sabah PKR wants to ensure that any electoral cooperation it gives will not be one-sided.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah PKR is looking at a “total package deal", not only about seat sharing, in state election negotiations with potential allies, says its chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
He said while PKR intends to continue its collaboration with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as part of the government, it is keen on establishing a more equitable partnership.
ALSO READ: No state polls seat discussions with other parties yet, says Sabah Pakatan chief
“We want to ensure that our cooperation is not one-sided.
"Sabah Pakatan Harapan must have a significant role for the (benefit of the) people, and we aim to contest seats where we have strength.
"We hold two seats and are looking to increase our representation in the 79-member state assembly,” he told a press conference here on Saturday (Oct 19).
Mustapha stressed the importance of a comprehensive agreement that covers not only seat allocations but also appointed assemblymen, chairmanships with government-linked companies, roles within village committees, and other positions.
ALSO READ: Sabah Umno accuses GRS of no real progress
“We need a specific formula. We cannot afford to negotiate these matters after the elections, as experience has shown that such agreements often go (unfulfilled).
“Our branch leaders have been dissatisfied because concrete formulas were not outlined.
"This time, we want everything clearly defined to avoid issues once the state government is formed,” he added.
The Deputy Higher Education Minister disclosed that Sabah Pakatan has already conducted its first seat negotiations, within the coalition.
“Our next step is to hold a second (round of talks) and... finalise our (internal) discussions before (approaching) strategic partners for the upcoming 17th state election,” he added.
ALSO READ: Sabah Umno to prioritise popular choice over parachuting candidates
At the federal level, he said efforts are underway to ensure the sustainability of the unity government, with the party seeking to amplify the voice of Sabah Pakatan, particularly PKR, in the state.
“This time, we will safeguard our two seats, Api-Api and Inanam, and identify additional seats where we are strong. We will negotiate (within) Sabah Pakatan first and then restructure our plans accordingly,” he said.
In addition to the two seats, Sabah PKR also contested in five others – Tempasuk, Tamparuli, Matunggong, Klias, and Sook – in the snap September 2020 state polls.
Asked if he would take part in the elections, the Sepanggar MP replied: “Many have asked me to contest, and I will consider it.
ALSO READ: PBS committed to GRS, denies alliance with Warisan
"As state leadership council chairman, I have the authority to choose.
"I am from Kota Belud but contested in Sepanggar, so I am keeping my options open. It can be from here (Sepanggar) to there (Kota Belud),” he added.
GRS forged cooperation with Sabah Pakatan in January last year after Barisan Nasional, led by Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, withdrew its support for the state government.
Several assemblymen from Sabah Umno and state opposition Parti Warisan strengthened Hajiji's hold on the government.
Recently, Bung Moktar and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Barisan was ready to collaborate with Pakatan under the national unity government framework in the coming state election.
However, Bung Moktar has yet to say if Sabah Barisan would work with GRS.
