.png)
SABAH Tanjung Keramat State Assembly representative and Member of Parliament for Putatan Datuk Shahelmey Yahya is still considering whether to defend his state assembly seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah General Election (PRN17) or remain in federal parliament.
Shahelmey acknowledged remarks by UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki that any party member contesting under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) banner could face legal action, including a RM100 million fine.
“I take note of that and am still in the process of considering my political direction. There is still time; nomination day is around three weeks away, so there is ample time to make any decision,” he said after attending the Semarak Juara Sabah Sports Incentive handover for Putatan athletes.
When asked if Barisan Nasional (BN) might grant him a candidacy, Shahelmey reiterated that no final decision has been made.
“We still have time. As I said, three weeks in politics is a long period. Many things can happen. What is important is that the decision made is for the greater good. The basis of this election is to obtain a mandate from the people,” he said.
Shahelmey confirmed that any prospective candidates must sign an agreement including the RM100 million penalty clause before contesting. He added that a final decision will be made closer to nomination day, with the campaign period to follow and voting left to the electorate.
Currently, Shahelmey and Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy (Tanjung Batu) are both suspended UMNO members, making it unlikely they will contest under the BN banner.
UMNO Sabah has previously stated it will not re-nominate the pair for their state seats due to their continued support for the GRS government led by Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Should either decide to contest under another party, they would be required to vacate their parliamentary seats under Malaysia’s Anti-Party Hopping Act. - October 24, 2025