KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Pakatan Harapan will heed the federal unity government’s framework when seeking its electoral partners for the upcoming state elections, says Datuk Christina Liew.

“I have been instructed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the Pakatan chairman, to work closely within the unity government,” said the state Pakatan chief on Friday (Sept 13), in response to a recent statement by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi about their collaboration with Pakatan in the upcoming election.

Ahmad Zahid said that Barisan Nasional's decision to work with Pakatan in Sabah was made in collaboration with Sabah Umno, describing it as the best approach to strengthening the unity government.

The current state unity government includes coalitions like Pakatan, Barisan, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

However, Warisan, a key opposition party in Sabah, is not part of the coalition.

When asked if Warisan might be included in the unity government framework for the upcoming elections, Liew said that the decision lies with Sabahs Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, the GRS chairman.

“Warisan is currently not part of the unity government coalition,” she added.

Regarding whether Barisan had approached Pakatan for an electoral pact, Liew hinted at discussions but said, "It’s a secret,” without elaborating further.

Both GRS and Sabah Pakatan are keeping their options open regarding potential alliances, not only with each other but also with other parties, as political dynamics continue to shift in the state.

“We are working hard now, cooperating within the unity government, and we hope to see positive results.

“Ultimately, we want the people to be happy with our coalition,” Liew said, acknowledging the challenges political parties face in forming electoral alliances in the current climate.

Liew's comments come as both state and federal leaders push to secure strong alliances to keep the unity government stable ahead of the state polls.

Sabah’s election is due by December 2025.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/13/sabah-pakatan-to-stick-with-unity-govt-framework-for-state-election-alliances