LEARNING from past general elections, Pejuang said it eyes a supporting role rather than competing with Sabah’s political giants in the upcoming state election.
Its president, Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, did not dismiss the possibility of fielding candidates in the state election scheduled next year, but stressed this was not the party’s primary goal.
"From our experience, we need to 'measure the clothes on our body' (decide based on our own abilities) first. Previously, we entered elections in a big way, fielding candidates in many constituencies.
“But this time, we would probably focus on areas where we believe we have support or can bring about value to other political parties in those areas," he told reporters after hosting the party’s Hari Raya open house in Kota Kinabalu today.
Mukhriz said it was best for the party to focus all its strength on the limited resources it currently has after failing to capture seats in the 2022 general election.
Mukhriz stressed that fielding candidates is not Pejuang’s primary goal now but did not dismiss the possibility of contesting in some areas where the party already built considerable support.
"It is important for Pejuang to consider working with others as the strength of other political parties could potentially open opportunities for Pejuang to consolidate the support of the people," he said.
Mukhriz indicated that Pejuang has already engaged in unofficial talks with other parties but made no secret of its keenness to work with the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) alliance in Sabah.
"We have a close relationship with many top leaders of the parties in Sabah, particularly GRS, as many of them were from Umno, later joining Bersatu and now GRS. They are all my old friends.
“We faced many challenges together. It is natural for us to try to engage with them. So, it is up to them (GRS) to consider if we are of any value to them," he said.
Mukhriz acknowledged that his intention to work with GRS in Sabah may conflict with Pejuang’s aim to work with Perikatan Nasional in the peninsula.
However, he emphasised that Pejuang has a different strategy for Sabah and the peninsula.
"We understand that politics in Sabah is very dynamic. Sabah's politics are autonomous. I cannot bring the politics of the peninsula into Sabah as the situation is very different," said Mukhriz.
Also present at the party Hari Raya open house was Sabah Pejuang chief Haji Nicholas Sylvester. - The Vibes, May 4, 2024.
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