Kota kinabalu: Pakatan Harapan (PH) has accepted the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to retain Abdul Halim Sidek Gulam Hassan’s name on the list of candidates contesting the Silam state seat in the 17th Sabah State Election. PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that, under existing legal provisions, the name of a candidate officially confirmed to contest cannot be removed from the ballot paper. Despite this, PH has ceased all campaign activities in the Silam constituency.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the cessation of campaign activities was confirmed by Saifuddin Nasution during the Sembang Santai with PH Candidate programme in Gum-Gum. He explained, “When we say we are withdrawing, it means we are ending all campaign operations. This means our candidate will no longer campaign or seek votes.” He further elaborated that once nomination papers are submitted, accepted, and confirmed by the returning officer, the candidate’s name must remain on the ballot.

Yesterday, it was announced by Sabah PKR Leadership Council chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud that Abdul Halim had withdrawn from the state election after discussions with PH’s top leadership. Despite this withdrawal, the nomination process concluded with a nine-cornered contest for the Silam seat, as candidates compete for the support of 28,261 voters.

Earlier today, EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus reiterated that the PH candidate’s name for the Silam state seat would remain on the ballot, even after Abdul Halim expressed his intention to withdraw following nomination day. Khairul Shahril clarified that no candidate could withdraw candidacy after 10 am on nomination day, as per Regulation 9 of the Election (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1981.

The EC has scheduled November 29 as polling day, with early voting set for November 25.