The Sabah PKR leader, who did not wish to be named, said party president Anwar Ibrahim was informed of the state leaders’ preference at a recent meeting.

“This (support for Mustapha) is to ensure we can operate effectively before a state election is held. Right now it is even difficult to decide on alliances as parties here are reluctant to work with Sangkar,” the source told FMT.

Sabah Pakatan Harapan chairman Christina Liew, also of PKR, has also backed Mustapha to succeed Sangkar.

Last month, PKR’s Kota Marudu division chief Sazalye Donol said 15 Sabah division chiefs had unanimously called for Sangkar to step down as state chairman.

The 15 walked out of a state leadership meeting after expressing their unhappiness over Sangkar’s leadership and submitted statutory declarations to Anwar’s political secretary, Azman Abidin.

Sangkar shot down calls for his resignation, saying that criticism of his leadership had affected the chapter’s plans for the next state election.

Anwar now has to decide whether to keep Sangkar or opt for Mustapha.

The next Sabah election is only due in October 2025, but Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Hajiji Noor, who is also the Sabah chief minister, has hinted at the possibility of holding it this year.

PKR has two seats in the 73-seat Sabah state assembly.