Pakatan Rakyat will renegotiate its seat allocation in Sabah following the defection of several BN lawmakers, said PAS vice-president Mahfuz Omar.

It may see Pakatan component parties contesting fewer seats because they have to accommodate defectors who still control substantial support among voters, he explained.

NONE “We will renegotiate, taking into consideration of what has happened in Sabah," Mahfuz (left) was quoted as saying by Malay daily Sinar Harian .

"We need to compromise on this issue and to give space to those who will be with us in Sabah.

“... we have to take in account the status of Tuaran (MP Wilfred Bumburing) and Beaufort (MP Lajim Ukin). They have support (from the people), we need to consider that.”

He commented that it is possible for Pakatan component parties to reduce the number of seats contested and exchange seats among themselves.

“All this all will be discussed at the earliest time and (we are) confident that it will be resolved,” he said.

yong teck lee and sapp Mahfuz further said that Pakatan will consider the influence of other opposition parties including the Sabah Progressive Party led by former chief minister Yong Teck Lee (left) .

In the 2008 general election, the DAP contested five parliamentary constituencies and 10 state seats, while PKR fielded its candidates in 21 parliamentary seats and 55 state seats. PAS did not contest in Sabah.

Apart from the two Sabah lawmakers, Senator Maijol Mahap has announced his decision to quit the BN and switch his support to Pakatan.

Lajim has claimed that three more lawmakers from BN will defect after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.