Perikatan Nasional Set to Contest 40 Seats in Upcoming Sabah State Election

SEPANGGAR, Nov 3 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) is expected to contest 40 seats in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17), scheduled for November 29.

PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said details on how the seats would be distributed among PN component parties will be finalised and announced on November 11.

“We are still reviewing all the names proposed for endorsement. In PAS, the Syura Council is responsible for screening our candidates, accoding to Daily Express.

“In PN, all candidates must also sign an akujanji (pledge of agreement) before they are issued their letter of authorisation,” he said during a press conference after launching the election machinery for the Karambunai constituency on Saturday.

Tuan Ibrahim noted that the “Sabah for Sabahans” sentiment expressed by local parties was normal and comparable to regional slogans such as “Bangsa Johor” in Johor and “Gagasan Terengganu Kita” in Terengganu.

“The sentiment will not affect Sabahans’ support for national parties, especially PN, as national parties have long been part of Sabah’s political landscape.

“Historically, Sabah has had Barisan Nasional (BN) and later PN, which includes PAS, Bersatu and Gerakan. We are confident Sabah voters will support PN this time. Even though the party president is from the peninsula, all PN leaders in Sabah are Sabahans,” he said.

Tuan Ibrahim also stressed that PN’s current focus is on strengthening cooperation among its component parties before considering any collaboration with other parties after the election.

“What’s important now is to secure victory under the PN banner. Discussions on alliances can come later — right now, we are fully committed to contesting as PN,” he added.

He further dismissed concerns that the ongoing internal crisis in Bersatu would affect PN’s preparation for the state polls, assuring that the coalition’s machinery remained strong and united.

Also present at the event were Sabah PAS election director Tan Sri Annuar Musa and Sabah PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Aliakbar Gulasan, who is expected to be fielded as PN’s candidate for the Karambunai constituency.

Photo — Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man Facebook