Sabah's newest political party eyes at least six seats in GE15
KOTA KINABALU, Oct 24 — Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Malaysia (PKDM), a Warisan splinter party, plans to run in at least six parliamentary seats in the state this general election.
Its president Datuk Peter Anthony announcing its candidates in Kimanis and Sepanggar at a news conference today, before hinting that he is considering running for Tenom while vice-president Datuk Juil Nuatim might go for Papar.
Last Saturday, he announced the candidates for Kota Kinabalu and Kota Marudu.
“There are still a number of seats we are considering, where many potential candidates have asked to contest under our logo,” he said.
He is also considering the Penampang and Ranau parliamentary seats, both of which are Kadazandusun-majority constituencies.
Peter, a former vice president of Warisan, said PKDM will be going solo this GE15 as it has applied to join the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) but has yet to be accepted.
“We still get to chart our own journey while we are independent,” he said.
Earlier, he announced PKDM Youth chief Jumardie Lukman as its Sepanggar candidate and Amat Mohd Yusof, a political newcomer, as its Kimanis candidate.
Jumardie, 40, was formerly Sepanggar Warisan Youth chief and looks likely to face off against his former colleague who is also Sepanggar incumbent MP Datuk Azis Jamman.
“I see it as a challenge. I have been working the ground and know what the people want.
“We have to be brave in venturing out on our own as long as we do it for the right reason, which is to help the people,” he said.
Former Sabah assistant minister Datuk Wetrom Bahanda was reported as eyeing the Kota Marudu parliamentary seat on a PKDM ticket, after a brief dalliance with Warisan, while Sabah association of tour and travel agencies chairman Datuk Winston Liaw will be contesting the Kota Kinabalu seat.
Wetrom had recently courted controversy for quitting GRS weeks ahead of GE15 to contest the Kota Marudu seat against Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili.
This is Liaw’s first foray into politics.
PKDM was officially formed in January following Peter’s resignation from Warisan.
He had cited a difference in agenda after Warisan spread its wings to peninsular Malaysia.
