Pakatan candidate for Silam withdraws from state election race

KOTA KINABALU - A Pakatan Harapan candidate for the N62 Silam seat has withdrawn from the 17th Sabah election, a move that PKR Sabah says was made responsibly and to preserve coalition unity.

Abdul Halim Sidek Gulam Hassan, a Parti Keadilan Rakyat member, announced his withdrawal on Monday (Nov 17), saying the decision came after deep personal reflection and discussions with the coalition’s leadership.

“This is my own decision and it was made without any coercion from anyone,” he said, adding that he had taken into account various considerations before stepping aside.

He said unity within Pakatan and its partners must be prioritised over personal ambition, describing coalition cohesion as essential for political stability in Sabah.

Pakatan fielding a candidate in Silam goes against the coalition’s seat-arrangement understanding with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Barisan Nasional, both of which are also contesting the seat.

With Halim stepping aside, N62 Silam now becomes an eight-corner fight featuring, among others, GRS's Mizma Appehdullah, Barisan's Sharif Musa Sharif Mabul, and Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal.

PKR Sabah chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the state leadership respects Halim’s choice, noting that it was made responsibly and in the interest of maintaining harmony among Pakatan component parties.

“This decision is his personal decision without any pressure from any outside party,” Mustapha said in a statement, adding that Halim’s loyalty to PKR and Pakatan has remained firm throughout the process.

Mustapha also commended him for his long-standing dedication to the people of Silam and Lahad Datu, saying the party values his consistent commitment and service.