PARTI Warisan Sabah has turned down Pakatan Harapan’s offer of an electoral pact in the next general election, saying only a win of no less than two-thirds of the state seats will allow it to achieve its objectives.

Sabah PH today said it had conveyed an offer to Warisan to let it take the lead in the battle for the state, and to let Warisan have 60% of the state seats in return for 60% of the parliamentary seats.

In an immediate response, Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking said the party was aiming for a “crucial” two-thirds majority which would allow a new Sabah government to activate Malaysia Agreement 1963 and restore the state’s special rights.

“First and foremost, Pakatan leaders must understand that Warisan is aiming for a two-thirds majority in the state assembly because only such a win will allow the motion to activate Article 8 on MA63 to be successfully be tabled at the state assembly as well as to govern Sabah firmly and without any obstacles,” said Leiking in a statement.

“Having had said that, Sabah must also be represented by MPs from the state parties who are not tied to anyone when asserting state rights in the Dewan Rakyat.”

Leiking said it was also too early to arrive on a consensus for seat distribution between PH and Warisan.

“First, I personally do not think that it is wise and conducive to issue the offer now.

“PH leaders should realise that the entire purpose of seat negotiations are not only to secure the most number of seats but to have a rationale discussion based on multiple social and political factors

“Besides, the decision for candidates also depend on the popularity of the person on the ground,” he said.

Warisan has previously made it clear it will not join PH, but that it is supportive of the opposition coalition’s effort to capture Putrajaya. – January 24, 2018.