Anwar meets Harapan leaders to discuss national issues, Sabah polls

Summary

• Anwar Ibrahim meets several top Pakatan Harapan leaders to discuss national issues and the Sabah state election.

• PM briefs leaders on Asean-China ties and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

• PM also meets with PKR political bureau and Sabah Harapan leaders.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday held a meeting with several top Pakatan Harapan leaders to discuss national issues and preparations for the upcoming Sabah state election.

A source from the Prime Minister's Department said the one-hour meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office from 2pm to 3pm.

"In addition to gathering feedback on public concerns and preparations for the Sabah state election, he (Anwar) also briefed the leaders on the latest developments involving Asean-China relations and the Gulf Cooperation Council," the source told Malaysiakini today.

Among those present were DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke, DAP chairperson Gobind Singh Deo, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, Amanah deputy president Mujahid Yusof Rawa, newly elected PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, and Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Following the Harapan leadership council meeting, Anwar chaired another meeting with the PKR political bureau.

"This is part of Anwar’s commitment to dedicate one day a week to engaging with party leaders.

"Recently, the president pledged to meet political leaders regularly. So yesterday, he met with leaders from both Harapan and PKR," the source said.

At the recent PKR congress, Anwar stated his intention to divide his time between governing the country and strengthening PKR, including enhancing cooperation among Harapan component parties.

In response, Saifuddin declared during the same congress that he would be the first to hold Anwar accountable should he fail to uphold that commitment.

Cooperation for Sabah polls

Separately, Anwar arrived in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, last night for a working visit and returned to Kuala Lumpur today after completing his itinerary.

According to Bernama, he was received at the airport around 9.30pm by Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and other state leaders.

During the visit, Anwar, who is also Harapan chairperson, held a meeting with Sabah Harapan leaders, accompanied by Sabah Harapan chairperson and Upko president Ewon Benedick.

At a press conference following the meeting, Anwar was asked about Harapan’s strategy for electoral cooperation in Sabah. He said discussions are underway between Sabah Harapan, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and BN.

"Let Sabah Harapan make the decisions. They are in talks with GRS and also with Sabah BN. These Sabah Harapan leaders will handle the coordination," he said.

"So far, the discussions are going smoothly, and we do not foresee any major issues," he added.

The Sabah state legislative assembly must be dissolved by Oct 9, meaning the state election must be held by Dec 9.

Both GRS and BN are vying to work with Harapan in the election.

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