PARTI Amanah Negara (Amanah) is seeking to contest an additional seat in the upcoming Sabah state election, with negotiations among Pakatan Harapan (PH) partners expected to conclude just before nomination day on 15 November.
Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu confirmed that the party has so far secured the Sulabayan seat but is pushing to obtain at least one more as discussions continue under the unity government framework.
“So far, Amanah has one confirmed seat, and we are working to secure at least one more. This request has been conveyed to Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who will finalise the seat allocations soon,”
Mohamad said during a press conference after officiating the Amanah National Convention 2025 at Dewan Raja Muda Musa, Selangor Youth and Cultural Complex, on Saturday.
He described seat negotiations as one of the most difficult aspects of coalition politics, particularly within the unity government that brings together several parties under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership.
“Seat negotiations in any state election are always tough. They usually conclude less than a day before nomination – that’s normal in politics,” he said.
Mohamad stressed that despite differences over seat distribution, the discussions have not strained relations among coalition partners.
“We will accept any constituency entrusted to us and carry out our responsibilities as best we can,” he added.
For the Sulabayan seat, Amanah has named local community activist Julpikar Mijan as its candidate. Julpikar, who hails from Semporna, is well known for his work in education and community development.
The seat was previously held by Jaujan Sambakong of Parti Warisan Sabah before the dissolution of the state assembly.
Mohamad also expressed confidence that the unity coalition of PH, Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) could regain control of the state following the election.
The Sabah state election was triggered by the dissolution of the legislative assembly on 6 October, approved by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, on the advice of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Nomination day is set for 15 November, with early voting on 25 November and polling on 29 November. - November 8, 2025
