SABAH POLLS: EC CONFIRMS PH CANDIDATE TO REMAIN ON SILAM BALLOT PAPER

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- The Election Commission (EC) has confirmed that Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) candidate for the Silam state seat, Abd Halim Sidek Gulam Hassan, will remain on the ballot paper despite having announced his intention to withdraw after nomination day.

EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus, in a statement, said the commission was aware of the candidate’s intention to withdraw but emphasised that such action is not allowed under existing regulations.

“No candidate may withdraw his candidacy after 10 am on nomination day, in accordance with Regulation 9 of the Election (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1981,” he said.

In this regard, he explained that Abd Halim will remain listed on the ballot paper for the constituency.

During nomination day last Saturday, the Silam state seat saw a nine-cornered contest, with candidates vying for the support of 28,261 voters.

Among the candidates contesting the seat are Sharif Musa Sharif Mabul of Barisan Nasional (BN), Datuk Mizma Appehdullah of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal of Parti Warisan (Warisan), Borkes @ Balkis Kalinggalan of Perikatan Nasional (PN), Amat Kawoh @ Abd Rahman (Independent), Mohammad Enriquez of Sabah Peace Party (SPP), Brahim Bisel of Parti Impian Sabah (PIS), and Mohd Syafiq Iqhmal Saharudin of Parti Kebangsaan Sabah (PKS).

Following Abd Halim’s withdrawal, PH is now contesting 21 seats.

For the latest news on the 17th Sabah state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php.