Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) is so far the only local-based party vying for all the 73 seats in the coming state election.
Its president Datuk Seri Anifah Aman today announced 72 of the seats the party was planning to contest. The one seat yet to be announced was Apas.
Anifah said there were still some “technical issues” that needed to be ironed out but stressed that the party was committed to place candidates in all areas.
“I believe all the state constituencies want to see PCS candidates contesting. So, it will not be fair if we only go for certain seats if we want to fight for the people.
“We are here to serve the people. This is not about the number of seats but an opportunity to serve the ‘rakyat’. To be fair, we will put candidate in all the seats,” he told reporters after announcing seats that PCS is going to contest.
This election, Anifah, a former Kimanis Member of Parliament, will contest in the Bongawan state seat.
PCS is expected to share a confirmed list of candidates, which features young faces and those from various professional backgrounds.
Anifah reiterated this is the opportunity for local-based party led by Sabah people to emerge and govern their own state to decide own destiny.
When asked how PCS is different from local parties like Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), and Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan), Anifah noted PBS and STAR would not be able to form government due to the number of seats they are going to contest.
“As for Warisan, my definition of local-based party is we are on our own consisting of original Sabahans. There’s no DAP and PKR with us. Same goes there is no Umno with us.
“However, I have always been open that we will work with local parties if we share the same vision and mission,” he said.
Earlier, he stressed that PCS is committed to fight for Sabah rights under the Malaysian Agreement 1963.
This would be included in PCS manifesto, which among others the party would establish a special Oil and Gas Ministry to continue demand Sabah’s rights.
Anifah said the party manifesto would be unveiled soon and shared on its social media platform, noting it will outline economy, education, infrastructure, and women welfare among others.