Speaking to FMT, Sabah DAP chairman Stephen Wong said he signed the agreement with his state PKR and Amanah counterparts, Christina Liew and Hamzah Abdullah at the launch of Sabah Pakatan Harapan today.

Last May, PKR and DAP clashed in six state assembly seats during the Sarawak election, namely, Batu Kitang, Mulu, Murum, Simanggang, Ngemah and Mambong. All six seats were won by Barisan Nasional.

Apart from causing split votes for the opposition, the run up to the election was marred by open squabbling between DAP and PKR leaders over the tussle for seats.

The launch of Sabah Pakatan Harapan was also attended by PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, veteran DAP leader Lim Kit Siang and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu. Also present were representatives of local parties including Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) and United Sabah Alliance.

It is understood that only Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, led by former Sabah PKR chief Lajim Ukin did not attend despite being invited.

Speaking about GE14, Wong said Sabah Pakatan Harapan was “always open” to negotiations with local opposition parties and informal talks had already begun, including with Warisan.

Warisan is led by former Umno vice president Shafie Apdal while its deputy is former PKR vice president Darell Leiking.

Wong said what was important was for all parties to be sincere in wanting to work together.

“If everyone has the will, then we can find a way.”

“If everyone wants to be the ‘taikor’ (big brother) and demand the lion’s share of the seats and expect everyone else to give way, then it will be difficult.”