KOTA KINABALU — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) will take full charge of strategy and decision-making for the upcoming 17th state election, while federal PH leaders will play only a supporting role.

Anwar, also PH chairman, said Sabah PH will decide on key matters such as strategic priorities, manifesto, and seat negotiations with allies like GRS and Barisan Nasional (BN). The move aims to strengthen state-federal ties and better represent Sabah's interests.

He emphasized the need for mutual trust between state and federal governments, highlighting similar improvements in Sabah-Sarawak relations. Sabah PH chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick will coordinate election efforts among the state’s four PH component parties.

On potential cooperation with GRS, Anwar said discussions remain open, stressing the goal of political stability and strong state-federal relations.