KOTA KINABALU: Only 25% of state seats, particularly hot seats, are yet to be finalised in Sabah Pakatan Harapan’s seat allocation talks, which are expected to wrap up by January next year.
And while Sabah Pakatan has yet to settle on its potential partners for the upcoming state election, Sabah PKR has reaffirmed its commitment to backing the current ruling government.
“Our first priority is to ensure political stability. We want to avoid any external interference that could distract us from our mission of helping the people,” Sabah PKR deputy chief Datuk Peto Galim said.
Peto, who also serves as Sabah PKR's election director, disclosed that seat negotiations for the 17th state election are 75% complete.
The distribution of seats is between the four Pakatan parties - PKR, DAP, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah).
Speaking to the media on Thursday (Dec 19), Peto said the remaining 25%, including "hot seats", are expected to be finalised by early next year.
Also present was Sabah PKR information chief Razeef Rakimin.
Peto acknowledged that year-end activities and busy schedules had caused a slight delay in finalizing the seat distribution.
“We are looking for the right time to hold the final meetings. If we cannot conclude this by the end of December, we are confident it will be completed by early January,” he said.
He stressed that discussions were progressing smoothly, with no major issues within Sabah Pakatan regarding the seat allocations.
“At this stage, everything is proceeding as planned. The discussions involve only Sabah Pakatan component parties, while negotiations with other parties or coalitions will take place once we decide on collaboration matters,” he explained.
Currently, Sabah Pakatan holds seven state assembly seats: four by DAP, two by PKR, and one by Upko.
Peto also expressed Sabah PKR’s support for the state government led by GRS-PH Plus. In conclusion, he stressed the party’s dedication to transparency, integrity, and supporting reforms that align with its vision to serve and support the people of Sabah.
