THE distribution of seats between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) for the state elections must be decided based on principles agreed upon through the unity government secretariat.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said among the principles and parameters that had been agreed upon were that seats won by a certain party will continue to be contested by that party in the polls.

“When we enter into any seat negotiations, surely there are parameters and principles that must be agreed upon, such as incumbents contesting seats they won previously, regardless of coalition.

“For seats not won by either PH or BN, then we will negotiate like in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan. Of course, there will be negotiations between PH and BN, that has been agreed upon,” he said after officiating the DAP state polls preparation retreat in Seremban today.

Loke, who is also the Negri Sembilan DAP chairman, told reporters this when commenting on Negri Sembilan BN’s request for two additional seats from PH in the polls, aimed at obtaining a balance in each state assembly.

He added that the seat distribution between PH and BN in the six states polls should not be turned into polemics and all wishes and views of all parties must be referred to the central leadership.

“We respect views, everyone can give their views, every party has its wishes but, ultimately, I say decisions must be based on shared principles,” he said.

He also said there is no issue of any party being offended and all parties must be open to any decision made by the central leadership. – Bernama, April 15, 2023.