KOTA KINABALU: Sabah PKR is calling for seat sharing arrangements to be made at state level rather than by national leaders.
"If Barisan Nasional wants to work with us, they should not go over our heads. We make our own decisions and understand who is best suited for collaboration. We have autonomy and we understand the issues in Sabah better," said Sabah PKR information chief Razeef Rakimin.
He said there had been no discussions yet, adding that they are comfortable with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) at state level and Barisan at federal level.
Sabah Barisan and Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin also said that there had been no official discussion with Sabah Pakatan Harapan on partnership or seat allocations.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday (Nov 2), Razeef ruled out opposition Parti Warisan as a potential partner.
On Parti Bersatu Sabah acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam's call for GRS to contest as many seats as possible, Razeef said this depends on future negotiations.
"We hope for a fair seat distribution. We are not expecting much, just for it to be realistic and equal across all parties," he added.
He said while Pakatan wants to contest all 73 state seats, he said discussions with coalition partners PKR, DAP, Amanah and Upko are "nearly done".
He added that they would "hand over the remaining seats for further negotiations with other parties."
Sabah PKR leadership council chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud had said that they are looking at a "total package" deal and not just seats, in negotiations with potential partners.
He added that a comprehensive agreement also includes appointed assemblymen, along with chairmanships for government-linked companies and roles within village committees, amongst others.
