Pakatan Harapan is ready to be a strategic partner in forming the Sabah government with coalitions sharing its principles of stability, prosperity and welfare.
SANDAKAN: Pakatan Harapan (PH) is ready to become a strategic partner in forming the Sabah government with other coalitions that share its three core principles.
PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the coalition seeks political stability, economic prosperity and prioritising people’s welfare.
“Although PH is contesting only one-third of the 73 state seats in the 17th Sabah State Election, the message remains clear: PH is contesting to win as many seats as possible,” he said.
He spoke at the Sembang Santai with PH Candidate programme in Gum-Gum here today.
Saifuddin said PH would work hard to contribute to victory by defending the Inanam and Api-Api state seats.
The coalition also hopes to secure wins in Gum-Gum, Melalap and Petagas.
“We hope the people of Sabah will give due consideration to choosing PH candidates,” he added.
PH is contesting 21 state seats – 12 under PKR, eight under DAP and one under Amanah.
Saifuddin, who is also PKR joint election director, said having PH representatives at state level would facilitate cooperation with the Unity Government at federal level.
He said the state government formed after Nov 29 must be ready to work with the federal administration.
“It would be difficult to develop Sabah if the relationship between the two is strained,” he noted.
He highlighted that the highest allocation to Sabah was channelled during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s tenure.
This included RM6.9 billion in development funds, plus a special allocation increased to RM600 million compared to RM26.7 million in 2019.
Negotiations on the special allocation based on 40% of Sabah’s revenue entitlement will continue once the new state government is formed.
Saifuddin, who is also Home Minister, said security forces are always well-prepared in terms of personnel, assets and control posts to ensure Sabah’s safety.
The Election Commission has set Nov 29 as polling day for the Sabah polls, with early voting on Nov 25.
