KOTA KINABALU – Seat allocations in the state for the 15th general election (GE15) will not be an issue for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Bersatu supreme council member Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin said this is something that can be discussed among component party leaders.
“The matter is something we can discuss. We want mature political leaders, so I feel this is not a problem.
“In Sabah, from time to time, GRS component parties will hold discussions. Once we have reached a decision, we will distribute the seats. It is a win-win situation.”
Lajim, who is also Sabah Bersatu election director, was commenting on seat allocations for GRS parties for the upcoming polls.
On the party’s targeted number of seats in the state, Lajim said Bersatu can target any number of seats, but so can other GRS parties.
“In the end, when we think about the interest of the country and Sabahans, we need to have tolerance when it comes to seat distributions. I am confident that no party will have permanent seats.”
He said Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin had during Sabah Umno’s 30th anniversary celebration called for the strengthening of ties between all parties in GRS.
“I am confident that under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor, we will be even stronger in Sabah.”
Commenting on the issue of overlapping seats in Sabah, with five formerly won by Umno but are now under Bersatu, Lajim said any issue of overlap that arises can be discussed amicably among GRS party leaders.
“Once the matter is discussed, I think there will no longer be any three-cornered fight in the upcoming election. We will be facing only the opposition.”
Five of the parliamentary seats – namely Beaufort, Beluran, Kudat, Sipitang and Libaran – won by Umno are now held by Bersatu following crossovers by several of its MPs last year.
When asked about the request by Bung Moktar that the seat allocation matter be settled as soon as possible before GE15, Lajim agrees that it is a good thing.
“Leaders will, at times, have discussions among themselves. For example, if Bung Moktar were to meet with Hajiji, he can discuss the matter with the latter personally first, and, in the end, a final decision will be reached.” – The Vibes, February 22, 2021
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