Anwar: PKR respects the decision of Sabah voters
KUALA LUMPUR: PKR accepts and respects the decision made by voters in Sabah in the 16th state election, which concluded on Saturday.
President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the party hopes the formation of the new Sabah government could be carried out in a peaceful and wise manner as well as with the necessary wisdom.
The Port Dickson member of parliament also congratulated the Warisan Plus bloc under the leadership of Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal for its performance in the state election.
“Congratulations also to Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Christina Liew for helping the party to retain two state seats previously won during the 14th General Election (GE14).
“Their hard work produced results in the Sook seat, in which PKR was able to increase its votes garnered to almost double as compared to GE14 in 2018,” he said yesterday.
PKR contested seven seats in Saturday’s polls.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) comprising Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional and Parti Bersatu Sabah wrested the state administration from Warisan Plus after securing 38 out of the total of 73 state seats.
GRS subsequently increased its number to 41 after it received the backing of three independent candidates, who won in Kuamut, Kemabong and Pitas.
Warisan Plus won 32 seats with Parti Warisan Sabah, DAP and Amanah obtaining 29 seats, PKR winning two, and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation winning one.
In Kota Kinabalu, Parti Cinta Sabah president Datuk Seri Anifah Aman accepted the party’s loss with an open heart.
“The people of Sabah have spoken, and we accept it with humility and respect. However, do not forget we are a new party, less than two months old, and still received support even if there was no victory.
“Just imagine, if there was sufficient time to prepare, I believe PCS would be able to garner more support. Experiences like this are very important for us to assess our shortcomings as well as our strengths,” said the former federal minister.
Anifah urged youth in Sabah to continue demanding for their rights, especially those stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963. PCS lost in all 73 state seats it contested.
Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang said Saturday’s outcome was proof of the people’s support and confidence in GRS.
He reminded the winning candidates to discharge their responsibilities as elected representatives as expected for the good of religion, race and country.
“Pas will remain committed in playing its role towards strengthening unity and defending the welfare of the people together.
“Congratulations to GRS Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional and Parti Bersatu Sabah for their victory in the Sabah election. To the voters, thank you for the trust given,” he said on Facebook.