Pakatan Harapan’s Silam candidate withdraws from Sabah election to minimise clash and improve coalition partner’s chances of victory, says Saifuddin Nasution
KOTA KINABALU: Pakatan Harapan’s candidate for the Silam seat has withdrawn from the 17th Sabah State Election to minimise clashes and improve a coalition partner’s chances of victory.
PH Secretary-General Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the move demonstrates commitment to prioritising electoral success over merely contesting as many seats as possible.
“We have managed to minimise one clash, even though the candidate had already submitted his nomination papers,” he told reporters at a meet and greet session with PH’s Api-Api candidate Thonny Chee.
Saifuddin Nasution thanked candidate Abdul Halim Sidek Gulam Hassan for agreeing to withdraw after discussions.
“This is proof that we are trying to improve the chances of victory for our ally,” he said.
Sabah PKR Leadership Council chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud earlier announced Abdul Halim’s withdrawal followed discussions with top PH leadership.
The Silam seat, one of four within the Lahad Datu parliamentary constituency, will now witness an eight-cornered contest among 28,261 registered voters.
Regarding PH’s manifesto, Saifuddin Nasution said it will be finalised shortly since the campaign period has just begun.
“PH is contesting in less than one-third of the 73 seats in this Sabah State Election,” he said.
“Our platform is to be a crucial strategic partner in the formation of the state government.”
The Election Commission has set November 29 as polling day with early voting on November 25. – Bernama
