KOTA KINABALU, March 25 — Tanjung Keramat assemblyman Datuk Shahelmey Yahya has stated that he will announce which party ticket he will contest under when the time is right.
“We will decide on that later. For now, our focus is on groundwork and preparing the election machinery. When the time comes, I will make the announcement. Don’t worry, media friends — you will be informed,” said Shahelmey, who is also the Member of Parliament for Putatan.
He acknowledged that Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin had already announced Barisan Nasional’s (BN) candidate for the Tanjung Keramat constituency, Putatan division Umno chief Jeffrey Nor Mohamed for the upcoming 17th Sabah State election.
However, Shahelmey emphasized that the official appointment would come from the BN Malaysia chairman.
When asked if he would relinquish his position as Putatan MP, Shahelmey responded, “That is part of the speculation and assumptions surrounding my position. As of now, I am the assemblyman for Tanjung Keramat and the MP for Putatan.”
Shahelmey, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III and Works Minister, won both seats as a BN candidate in previous elections. However, his political future is uncertain following the suspension of his party membership by Sabah Umno.
If Shahelmey decides to contest under another party’s ticket, he would be required to vacate the Putatan parliamentary seat, triggering a by-election under the anti-party hopping law.
“Politics is dynamic, but what matters most right now is serving the people as long as the current term is still ongoing,” he told reporters on Sunday.
When questioned whether BN Malaysia chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had discussed the matter with him, Shahelmey said no formal discussions had taken place, adding that he had only crossed paths with Ahmad Zahid in Parliament.
Regarding election preparations, Shahelmey confirmed that his team is ready for any possibility, including the dissolution of the State Assembly.
“This is the final year of the 16th Sabah State Assembly term. Whether we like it or not, preparations must be made. From what I have been informed, preparations are ongoing and constantly being improved to ensure we are fully ready when the time comes,” he said. — The Borneo Post
