Labuan: Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) has identified several constituencies deemed winnable for its candidates in preparation for the 17th Sabah state election. Its president, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, stated that the party has mapped out strategic seats to contest but declined to disclose the exact number at this stage. "We are prepared to field several candidates in the upcoming state election. We have identified constituencies where PBRS has strong potential to win. However, the final number of seats for us to contest is still being finalised," he told Bernama after launching the Labuan Tuna Conference here last night.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the upcoming polls follow the dissolution of the Sabah State Assembly on October 6, paving the way for the 17th state election to be held within 60 days as required by the state constitution. Arthur emphasized that PBRS, as a local party, must have representation in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly to ensure the voices and needs of Sabahans are effectively represented. He noted that PBRS, being one of the oldest Sabah-based parties, plays a vital role in strengthening Barisan Nasional's (BN) presence in the state by localizing its approach to better reflect the aspirations and multiracial makeup of Sabah's population.

Arthur explained that to localize BN in Sabah means ensuring the coalition truly represents the diversity of races, cultures, and communities across the state, so that every Sabahan feels included in the development agenda. He added that PBRS holds a distinct advantage within BN due to its deep local roots and active role at the federal level. "PBRS has the advantage of being one of the oldest local parties rooted in Sabah, and it also plays a role at the federal level. This makes it easier for us to raise Sabah's concerns directly with the federal government," he said.