Kota kinabalu: Pakatan Harapan (PH) is ready to become a strategic partner in forming the Sabah government together with other coalitions that share its three core principles – political stability, economic prosperity, and prioritizing the welfare of the people. PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasized the coalition’s commitment despite contesting only one-third of the 73 state seats in the 17th Sabah State Election.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution stated that PH is contesting with the intention to win as many seats as possible. “We will work hard to contribute to victory. We will defend the Inanam and Api-Api state seats, and we also hope to secure wins in Gum-Gum, Melalap, and Petagas,” he said during the Sembang Santai with PH Candidate program in Gum-Gum. PH is contesting 21 state seats in total, with 12 under PKR, eight under DAP, and one under Amanah.

Saifuddin, who is also the PKR joint election director, highlighted the importance of having PH representatives at the state level to facilitate cooperation with the Unity Government at the federal level. He noted that the state government formed after November 29 must be ready to collaborate with the federal administration to ensure Sabah’s development.

He pointed out that the highest allocation to Sabah was provided during the tenure of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, including RM6.9 billion in development funds and an increase in the special allocation to RM600 million compared to RM26.7 million in 2019. Saifuddin also mentioned ongoing negotiations concerning the special allocation based on 40 percent of Sabah’s revenue entitlement, as announced by the Prime Minister.

Additionally, Saifuddin, who serves as the Home Minister, assured that security forces are well-prepared with personnel, assets, and control posts to ensure the safety of Sabah. The Election Commission (EC) has scheduled November 29 as the polling day for the Sabah polls, with early voting set for November 25.