He dismissed speculation that there was a mass protest among Sabah PKR division leaders over the matter, Sinar Harian reported.

According to Zaidi, a meeting held with the state PKR leadership two days ago was “harmonious”, with everyone being part of a “family”.

“The reality is that Sabah PKR remains stable, united and focused on preparing for the 17th state election.

“The meeting provided a healthy space for the grassroots views to be heard while strengthening coordination between divisional and state leaderships,” he was quoted as saying.

However, Zaidi emphasised that the views of Sabah PKR grassroots and division leaders must be respected in the selection of candidates for the state polls.

Yesterday, PKR’s election co-director Saifuddin Nasution Ismail played down reports that the majority of Sabah division chiefs were unhappy with “parachute candidates” being chosen by the top leadership.

Saifuddin was quoted by Malaysiakini as saying the list of candidates had not been finalised with seat talks in the final phase of negotiations.