Sabah PKR info chief resigns over reduced seat allocation

SABAH POLLS | Simsudin Sidek has resigned as the Sabah PKR information chief after the party was allocated only half of the 14 seats it had expected.

He had on Wednesday announced that PKR would be contesting in 14 constituencies, a day before the Warisan Plus ceremony to unveil the candidates.

This led to a surprise when it was revealed at the ceremony that PKR would only be getting seven seats.

Despite the murmurs of dissatisfaction, the PKR leadership eventually agreed to accept the reduced number of seats and kept its promise not to clash with allies on nomination day.

Simsudin said he respected the decision by the top leadership but resigned as the Sabah PKR information chief, effective Sept 11.

"I am of the view that the increase in PKR members in Sabah and also the increase in state seats in the Sabah election justifies Sabah PKR getting a fairer distribution of seats," he said in a statement.

Following a redelineation exercise, the number of state seats in Sabah has increased from 60 to 73.

Despite the disagreement, Simsudin said he would remain loyal to PKR.

"I stress that I will remain loyal to PKR, which I have joined for more than 20 years, and will remain as the elected Labuan PKR chief as well as continue with my duties to the best of my ability," he added.

He also thanked the Sabah PKR leadership, adding that he will now focus on efforts at the division level. - Mkini