BATU PAHAT: Pas, together with Perikatan Nasional (PN), has its mechanism in place should the coalition be excluded in negotiations for the upcoming 17th Sabah state election.

This follows Gagasan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) decision not to include Pas in discussions for the forthcoming election.

Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said top-level discussions within PN must be held to determine the mechanism for the election.

"Let them (GRS) conduct its negotiations first. God willing, we in PN also have mechanisms for discussions.

"PN will focus on two things. First, the coalition's strategy in the election, given that Sabah's political landscape is unique compared to other states.

"Second, we will address the seats PN will contest," he said in a press conference after delivering a speech at Johor Pas' 70th anniversary celebration at Kompleks Pas Sungai Tongkang last night.

Also present were Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang, Bersatu vice-president Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin and Johor Pas Commissioner Abdullah Husin.

Yesterday, GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said Pas would not be included in the coalition's negotiation process for this Sabah election.

He said Pas, as a PN component party, is not listed in the negotiation process at this time.

This decision considers Pas' position within PN and GRS, both of which are part of the unity government.

Additionally, Tuan Ibrahim revealed that PN has yet to decide whether to contest independently or collaborate with others.

"Moreover, we already have Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (Sabah PN chairman)," he said.

Masidi had been appointed as Gagasan Rakyat's Negotiation Committee chairman, tasked with discussing seat distribution among GRS component parties and other allies, including Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN).

Following the 15th general election (GE15) in November 2022, 14 Bersatu assemblymen led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor decided to leave the party and remain with GRS.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/11/1132268/sabah-election-let-grs-negotiate-first