Sabah polls: PKR's 13-seat target not arbitrary but based on feedback from state chapter, says youth leader
KOTA KINABALU: Newly-elected PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar's statement that the party is eyeing 13 seats in the upcoming Sabah election was not a unilateral decision by the central leadership, says one of its youth leaders.
Mohd Guntur Sangkah said the figure was based on discussions involving Sabah PKR and potential election partners Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
"(The statement) was shaped based on a spirit of mature political cooperation, without sidelining the role of local parties," said Guntur, Sabah PKR's Pensiangan division youth leader and a member of the central youth committee.
ALSO READ: Challenges ahead for PKR, says Nurul Izzah
He was responding Tuesday (May 27) to a recent statement by Sabah STAR's information chief Anuar Ghani that federal parties in Pakatan and Barisan were undermining state rights by putting pressure on GRS to work with them.
"Sabah PKR is not merely a 'branch' that blindly follows central directives.
"Since its inception, Sabah PKR has been built through close collaboration between local leaders and national leadership, making it a truly rooted national party in Sabah," Guntur said in a statement.
ALSO READ: Anwar assures PKR of fair seat allocation in Sabah election
Guntur said PKR is the only national party to enshrine the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in its party constitution, a clear commitment to the rights and autonomy of Sabah.
"Sabah STAR, on the other hand, should reflect on its own record before labelling others as political outsiders,' he said.
ALSO READ: Sabah DAP aims to contest 10 seats at state polls
He said Sabah STAR had once aligned itself with Perikatan Nasional, a coalition that openly weakened Sabah's position in MA63 negotiations and failed to deliver on many development promises.
"The reality is, Sabah PKR has remained consistent in its fight for reform and justice for the people of Sabah, while STAR continues to shift its stance according to political convenience.
"What Sabah needs is stability and principle, not opportunism," Guntur said.
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Daily Express
an hour ago
- Daily Express
Prime Minister's decision is wise and timely, says Upko
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Free Malaysia Today
5 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Rafizi still has a shot at becoming PM
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I suppose this is because most Malaysians have come to think that politicians seldom, or never, keep their promises. Many young people see Rafizi as the harbinger of a new politics and as a politician who understands technological trends and embraces the digital future. They see him as a politician who stands for all Malaysians and one who does not play racial or religious politics – unlike many others. He is undoubtedly one of the few young politicians who draw support from youths of all races, not just their own race. He is also respected for his push for greater transparency and accountability in government affairs. But politics is largely about numbers, or, to be precise, votes. First one must win the votes at the party level and later in a general election or by-election. Rafizi, unfortunately, failed to get enough numbers at the party level this time. From the tone of Rafizi's remarks in recent weeks, one can detect a frustration with internal party happenings. On May 10, for instance, Rafizi said it would be a relief to be out of the cabinet as it would allow him more time and freedom to speak out on issues. So what now for Rafizi? On May 10, the Pandan MP said he would focus on his responsibility as an MP and help PKR prepare for the 16th general election if he lost to Nurul Izzah. On May 30, Rafizi said: 'I already have a plan on what to focus on next, but let everyone breathe first — with Hari Raya Haji coming up and all. I'll share more later.' This was interpreted by many as meaning that he would not quit public life. Certainly, his supporters will be anxious, as will Malaysians who like him or his brand of politics. Certainly, they will be asking questions such as: 'Will he make a comeback to the PKR leadership?' or ' Will he join some other party or start his own party somewhere down the line?' Time will tell and he has plenty of time on his hands as he is only 47, still considered young for any politician. 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Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Upko Youth welcomes full trust in PH Sabah, vows support for state polls
Felix KOTA KINABALU (June 4): The decision by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to grant full autonomy to Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) leadership ahead of the upcoming state election (PRN) is seen as timely and appropriate. UPKO Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang said the move reflects the federal coalition's confidence in the capabilities and political maturity of PH Sabah under the leadership of its chairman, Datuk Ewon Benedick. He said the decision acknowledges the importance of allowing local leaders to devise strategies based on the political landscape and sentiments of Sabahans. 'This strategic autonomy approach not only strengthens the party's grassroots machinery but also facilitates negotiations among component parties on seat distribution and field cooperation,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. 'Sabah's political context is distinct and complex. The mandate given to PH Sabah allows for more inclusive, localised and targeted strategies. 'Our focus is on Sabah's development, improving rural infrastructure, tackling poverty, and safeguarding the state's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),' he added. Felix said the recent official meeting between Anwar and the PH Sabah leadership marked a significant milestone in state-level political cooperation. 'With the mandate, Ewon is now positioned to drive strategic partnerships among coalition parties in Sabah. 'I am confident he will be able to coordinate preparations for the PRN, including negotiations with allies and campaign planning,' he said. As Sabah Harapan Youth leader, Felix said he would fully support the initiative and work to engage young voters while continuing to advocate for the rights of Sabahans. 'Youth will play a vital role in outreach efforts. We are ready to work with any party that respects and upholds Sabah's rights. 'This initiative aims to strengthen PH's position in Sabah ahead of what is expected to be a closely contested state election, with priority given to development, state autonomy, and the people's welfare,' he said.
