STATE opposition Parti Bersatu Sabah will contest the Sandakan parliamentary by-election next month but has not decided on a candidate yet.

Its president, Maximus Ongkili, said the decision was made by the party’s political bureau during a meeting in Kota Kinabalu recently, in response to the grassroots support.

“The party is still vetting the candidate list and hope to make an announcement before the nomination day.

“We have a lengthy list of potential candidates and names are still being submitted by our members and grassroots in Sandakan,” he said in a statement today.

Ongkili said the list includes party leaders, as well as from outside.

“We are excited to fly our own flag in the by-election. We appeal to the Sandakan voters to support PBS to be their representative and voice in Parliament.” 

PBS is also willing to cooperate with other like-minded opposition parties, whether national or local, he said.

To date, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, a member of Gabungan Bersatu Sabah alongside with PBS, has already announced its candidate, Sandakan-born, Jenny Liew.

The party, however, may retract her or lend her to PBS to ensure the opposition could field a single candidate.

Sabah MCA is also expected to field a candidate.

So far, three independent candidates have offered themselves.

The last time PBS held the Sandakan federal seat was in 1999.

The party later joined Barisan Nasional and stopped contesting in Sandakan.

PBS left BN in the wake of the May 9 elections last year.

The Election Commission has set polling for May 11 following the death of its incumbent, Sabah DAP chairman Stephen Wong from a heart attack on March 28.

Sandakan has 39,777 registered voters comprising 49% Chinese, Muslim Bumiputeras (44%) and non-Muslim Bumiputeras (6%).

Sabah DAP is set to name its candidate on behalf of ruling Pakatan Harapan pact for the seat. – April 22, 2019.