27-04-2025
PBRS ready for state election, seat talks ongoing
Arthur (centre) presents a certificate of appreciation to an exhibitor, while organiser Datuk Dayang Khatijah Datu Bachtiyal, managing director of ESM Exhibitor Relations Malaysia, looks on.
KOTA KINABALU (April 27): Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) is gearing up for the upcoming state election while remaining committed to discussions with its Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition partners, said its president, Datuk Arthur J Kurup.
Arthur said the party is currently at the consultation stage regarding seat allocations, leaving the final decision to the central leadership.
'We are prepared, but we are still in the consultation stage. We leave it to the central leadership because discussions will be held at that level on the coalition and seat-sharing formula,' he said after officiating the closing ceremony of SIFEX 2025 here on Sunday.
He said PBRS had indicated its areas of interest and would work through the process accordingly, emphasising the need for mutual cooperation among coalition partners.
'In this coalition government, there must be give and take. As a local party in Sabah, our priority is to see a stable government at both the state and national levels,' Arthur stressed.
He also commented on BN's recent victory in the Ayer Kuning by-election, calling it a sign of growing public confidence in the coalition.
'As the president of a BN component party, we are grateful for the victory. It reflects the people's trust in BN to continue playing an important role in the government,' he said.
Arthur noted that BN's candidate won the by-election with a significantly larger majority compared to the general election two years ago, indicating stronger public support.
On the number of seats PBRS aims to contest in the 17th state election, Arthur said it would depend on ongoing negotiations.
'It ranges quite a bit, depending on how discussions turn out,' he explained, adding that while there have been many discussions among BN component leaders, no formal meeting has been held yet to finalise seat allocations.
Asked about a timeline for concluding negotiations, Arthur said it was still uncertain, especially with talks of elections possibly being held in July or August this year.
'I don't think I can give a definite answer on when discussions will be finalised,' he said.
Arthur reiterated PBRS's commitment to ensuring a stable and effective government, and its readiness to compromise for the benefit of Sabah and the nation.
