Kota kinabalu: Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) is optimistic of delivering the policy commitments outlined in its manifesto, despite contesting a relatively small number of seats in the upcoming 17th State Election. Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the coalition’s strength lies not in the number of seats it wins, but in the policy commitments that will form the basis of any post-election negotiations to form a government.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Phoong emphasized the importance of policy over positions, stating, “This is our commitment. We are not contesting many seats; we may look small, but when we are invited to negotiate the next government, we need whoever wants to form the government to fulfil these commitments.” He stressed the need for discussions focused on policy delivery to the people, rather than merely distributing government positions.
The ‘Komitmen Pakatan Harapan Sabah’ manifesto, which was launched by Phoong, outlines 10 priority commitments under seven core agendas. It was also officiated by Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Sabah Amanah chairman Datuk Lahirul Latigu, alongside Phoong. The manifesto highlights that Sabah’s multi-party political landscape necessitates post-election negotiations, which should be conducted responsibly and anchored in progressive policy principles.
Phoong explained that Sabah PH aims to promote a more mature political culture, where government formation is based on firm policy commitments. He drew parallels with countries like Germany and Italy, where reaching a consensus in government formation can take months but remains centered on policy agreements.
A significant focus of the PH Sabah manifesto is on economic development, with plans to upgrade ports and develop efficient public transportation systems, such as light rail transit for Kota Kinabalu. Phoong cited a World Bank report, indicating that traffic congestion costs Malaysia around 1 to 2 per cent of GDP, primarily due to the lack of an efficient public transportation system.
Phoong also expressed his long-standing dedication to transforming Kota Kinabalu into a more liveable and sustainable city. “I’ve been fighting this for the past 10 years when I was very young… this has always been something that is close to my heart because I believe that KK (Kota Kinabalu) people deserve a better city and a liveable city,” he added.
In the 17th state polls, PH is contesting 21 of the 73 state seats, consisting of 12 PKR candidates, eight from DAP, and one from Amanah. Polling is scheduled for Nov 29, with early voting set for Nov 25.