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SABAH PKR information chief Razeef Rakimin refuted claims that Pakatan Harapan (PH) has finalised an electoral alliance with Barisan Nasional (BN) for the upcoming state election.
Razeef was responding to reports quoting BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that a pact between BN and PH was set for the Sabah election.
"Sabah PKR operates with its own autonomy. If Sabah BN wants to discuss electoral cooperation, they should approach us directly," Razeef said at a Sabah PKR press briefing in Kota Kinabalu.
“There have been no discussions. PKR Sabah has its own autonomy. For us, anyone who wants to collaborate must come to us directly. They should not go over our heads.
“We make our own decisions and understand who is best suited for a collaboration,” he added.
Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick had also previously pointed out that the PH presidential council has not met formally to discuss electoral pacts with other alliances and parties.
Apart from Zahid, Sabah BN chairman cum Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin also hinted at a potential BN-PH electoral pact for the state election.
However, Bung admitted no formal discussions had taken place between the two alliances in Sabah.
The Sabah PH coalition, comprising PKR, DAP, Amanah, and Upko, is nearing the final stages of its internal seat negotiations.
Once completed, PH is open to discussions with other parties or coalitions.
PH chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has advised Sabah PH to model their cooperation after the federal Madani government, where PH and BN currently hold significant influence.
On local party dominance, Razeef addressed Parti Bersatu Sabah's call for more local parties to contest in the state election, noting that dominance is not a primary concern.
Instead, PKR will advocate for equitable seat distribution among collaborating parties, focusing on realistic and fair allocations.
Regarding potential partnerships, Razeef expressed reluctance to work with Warisan.
“There’s always the possibility of working with local parties, including Warisan, but personally, I see no reason to collaborate with them, as they have consistently attacked us,” he said. – November 2, 2024
