PKR reviewing complaints on party elections

Daily Express

27-04-2025

Published on: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Published on: Sun, Apr 27, 2025
By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Sabah PKR Election Committee Director Datuk Peto Galim Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is focusing on strengthening the party ahead of the state election, with its branch elections now completed statewide. Sabah PKR Election Committee Director Datuk Peto Galim said: 'Our target is to win as many seats as possible under PH, particularly under PKR. We will only contest in areas where we clearly have strength. That is our target and we will ensure all wings in these focus areas concentrate on the coming state election.' He said negotiations on seat distribution are nearly finalised, having been temporarily paused due to recent festivities and the party elections. 'The chairman recently issued a statement that we will resume these negotiations. 'I can say the negotiations are almost complete, so wait and see,' Peto said at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering hosted by Sepanggar Parliamentary Office in Kg Inanam Laut, Saturday. 'Our reference in these negotiations is simple. Where you are strong, you should contest there,' he said. Deputy Higher Education Minister cum Kota Belud PKR Division Chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud noted that the Central Election Department is currently reviewing complaints from candidates who were dissatisfied with the process. 'The Central Election Department has opened channels for any dissatisfied candidates to submit their complaints. Currently, these complaints are being examined thoroughly and decisions will be made soon,' said the Sepanggar Member of Parliament. He said only two branches will require re-elections due to technical issues, namely Silam and Semporna. 'For Silam, it only involves the branch chief position due to technical issues, while for Semporna, it involves branch committee positions, also due to technical problems,' Mustapha said, adding that many branches had filed complaints across Sabah. Meanwhile, Peto said the party election results were largely predictable. 'As a whole, the results did not change much from what was expected, though there were some changes in branch leadership in critical areas where grassroots members wanted clear change. 'Grassroots members are now very powerful. Leaders who they perceive as problematic will be replaced as they try new leaders. 'This is happening not just in Sabah but throughout Malaysia. It is a strange but real phenomenon. These changes are not limited to PKR but will spread to other parties. The time has come for people to choose leaders who truly want to save and serve the people,' he said. Asked about former Sabah PKR Chief Datuk Seri Christina Liew who lost her branch leadership position, Peto said being a branch chief does not necessarily guarantee a 100 per cent chance of becoming a candidate in the election. 'There are many factors our leadership considers. 'Regarding Christina, we will examine what role she can play in this larger group. She is a main fighter who has been a member from the beginning until now and has contributed tremendously to PKR in Sabah, to the Government and to PH. 'Our State Leadership Council (MPN) will find ways where she can play a role and bring positive impact to PKR's strength in Sabah,' he said. Regarding the State MPN structure, Peto did not anticipate major changes. 'I do not see huge changes in the MPN. I believe the chairman position will still be held by my colleague, Mustapha, and I might remain as deputy. We will fill other positions according to each leader's expertise. 'There have been defeats for the previous secretary and vice-MPN, but this is not a major problem because we have new leaders we can put forward,' he said. On potential political collaborations with Umno, Peto said no meetings had been held with Sabah Umno's Datuk Seri Bung Moktar. 'I have never been called or informed. As I said earlier, we welcome anyone who shares the same aspirations and dreams as us to bring Sabah out of its problems. 'I can say the current government, GRS plus PH, has the capability and is making serious efforts toward that, although there are things that need to be streamlined and taken more seriously,' he said. On the Pakatan Harapan leadership in Sabah, Peto said at this moment it might not be confirmed yet who is actually the Sabah PH chairperson. 'Perhaps in the near future, we will see. There might be an announcement soon,' he said. 'We need to clarify two things here. First, within PH itself, we have no divisions. We in Sabah PH are intact. We do not have differences in ideas. 'For the State, the collaboration between PH and GRS is currently going very well, as we expected. Although there are some constraints in terms of delivery systems, with results coming somewhat slowly. But that is our task,' he said. 'We need to ensure that leaders who will form the next Sabah Cabinet have strong unity, extraordinary determination and sharp, quick decision-making. 'We no longer want current issues in the State like the three-pronged issues (water, electricity and roads) that people talk about becoming nightmare issues for residents,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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