Sabah BN says yet to discuss DPM post for state

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 28 — Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) said today it has yet to discuss the proposal of a deputy prime minister from the state to be included in the coalition's manifesto for the upcoming election (GE15).

Sabah BN deputy chairman Datuk Yakub Khan said that the party welcomes the proposal wholeheartedly but has not discussed the matter at the state level.

“So far we have not yet discussed it,” he said when asked by reporters.

When further pressed about whether there was any discussion about potential deputy prime minister candidates, he also said no.

Yakub, also Sabah Umno deputy chief, spoke to reporters after launching a ceremony to digitise the state's native court documents.

Yesterday, Sabah BN chief Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin said that the party’s proposal was not just a political gimmick, and that the party would ensure it became a reality if the party came up with a dominant win in GE15.

His comment came after BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi made the proposal at an event in Kimanis for three deputy prime ministers from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsula Malaysia respectively.

Meanwhile, on the ongoing seat negotiations between BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, Yakub said that the seats were allocated but that there were discussions about the best candidate from the respective parties.

“Talks have reached the final stage so the only thing left is to conclude it. In our discussions, we have also stated that the candidates put forward be discussed among both parties so that we can decide on who to best represent our parties,” he said.

Rumours are that seat negotiations between the GRS-BN ruling coalition have hit a standstill over several seats as the parties have yet to come to an agreement.

However, both Bung and GRS chairman Datuk Hajiji Noor have reiterated their commitment to seeing it through to ensure there is no clashing.

There are a total of nine parties among the two coalitions, which are at odds at the national level.

GRS currently comprises the Sabah chapter of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and United Sabah National Alliance (Usno) while Sabah BN comprises of Umno, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), MCA and MIC.