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PAKATAN Harapan’s (PH) candidate for the Silam state seat, Abdul Halim Sidek Gulam Hassan, has withdrawn from contesting in the 17th Sabah state election, announcing the move as a personal decision motivated by a desire to preserve coalition cohesion.
Abdul Halim said the decision was reached only after “careful and thorough discussions” with the PH leadership, emphasising that no external party had exerted influence on him.
He stressed that his withdrawal was neither the result of pressure nor negotiation but a choice made in the interest of maintaining goodwill among PH’s political partners.
“This decision is also made based on careful consideration to safeguard the good relations and harmony with our partner parties. I believe that unity and cooperation between PH and other parties are more important for the future of our state’s politics,” he said in a media statement on Monday.
Although stepping aside from the contest, Abdul Halim reaffirmed his commitment to public service in Silam and Lahad Datu, insisting his work for the community would continue uninterrupted.
“Although I will not be contesting in this election, I remain committed and will continue to work to ensure the welfare and interests of the people in Silam in particular, and Lahad Datu in general, are always protected and defended,” he said.
He added that his dedication to the electorate “has never wavered” and that he would continue contributing in whatever capacity possible to help develop Silam.
Abdul Halim had earlier been slated to compete in what would have been a nine-cornered fight for the Silam seat, one of the most crowded contests of the state polls.
The withdrawal is expected to shift the electoral landscape in Silam, where multi-party fragmentation has been a central feature of the constituency’s political dynamics - November 17, 2025