KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud is prepared to take charge of the crisis-ridden Sabah PKR if the national leadership appoints him as the state chairman. Mustapha, who is the Kota Belud PKR division chief and Sepanggar MP, stated that the decision lies with party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who will consult with the 26 party division chiefs.
He expressed his willingness to assume the responsibility if entrusted with the role. Mustapha’s comments come amid speculations that he could potentially be the next Sabah PKR leader, a role currently held by the embattled Datuk Dr. Sangkar Rasam.
Emphasizing the importance of unity within the party leadership, Mustapha stressed that without cohesion, there is a risk of the leadership being unable to form a united front. He indicated that the selection of the Sabah PKR leader should be left to the party president, based on the party’s constitution, which mandates the leader to have the support of the majority of division heads.
Speaking at the Higher Education Ministry @UiTM Sabah Ramadan Celebration Ceremony, Mustapha revealed that he was one of 15 division heads who signed documents calling for Sangkar’s resignation or replacement due to alleged leadership failures on March 17.
Mustapha highlighted the need to bolster the Sabah PKR machinery in anticipation of the State Election, which could be imminent. He stressed the importance of having a capable leader to navigate the party through the election’s challenges, including determining the seats and areas to contest.
Expressing concerns over the party’s apparent lack of urgency in preparing for the upcoming state election, Mustapha underscored the necessity for a change in leadership direction. He voiced fears of being left behind if the party does not gear up swiftly.
He urged the party president to make a prompt decision and move forward, noting that whoever assumes the role of Sabah PKR chairman will have the party’s full support. Mustapha disclosed that the party president is expected to visit Sabah on April 20 for the state-level Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, during which he may meet with the division heads to finalize the decision on the Sabah PKR chairman.
