Kota Kinabalu: Pakatan Harapan’s Silam candidate withdrew from the state election to avoid clashes with coalition partners, said PH Election Coordinator Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.
He said the move was aimed at improving the coalition’s overall chances.
Abdul Halim Sidek Gulam Hassan surprised many when he contested under a PKR ticket on nomination day, but announced his withdrawal two days later on Monday.
His brother, Datuk Abdul Hakim, is contesting under the GRS banner in Tungku.
“PH is contesting a fewer than a third of the 73 Sabah seats and the coalition intends to be a strong strategic partner in forming the next state government,” Saifuddin said.
He was speaking after a walkabout with PKR Api-Api candidate Thonny Chee on Monday.
He noted that instead of a detailed manifesto, Thonny would introduce a candidate charter outlining his key priorities and commitment to round-the-clock accessibility.
He stressed that PKR must retain the Api-Api seat (formerly held by Datuk Seri Christina Liew), saying PH’s presence in the State Government would be valuable as its chairman, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is also the prime minister, providing an effective bridge to federal solutions.
Saifuddin, who is also Home Minister, urged voters to trust the authorities as polling day coincides with the northeast monsoon season.
He said hotspots and hazardous slopes have been identified with early-warning siren systems activated.
He reminded the public to stay safe in the event of floods, adding that Sabah police have deployed 10,000 personnel for the election period.
