PUTATAN MP Datuk Shahelmy Yahya has hinted that he may seek re-election in the upcoming Sabah state polls, despite being left out of Umno’s initial list of candidates.
Shahelmy, who currently holds the Tanjung Keramat state seat, is among several Umno leaders who have openly disagreed with Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
He now says the final decision on candidacy rests with Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“The official watikah will be issued by the chairman of Barisan Nasional Malaysia.”
“Datuk Bung Moktar has announced another candidate for Tanjung Keramat. But that’s just an announcement,” he said during a breaking-of-fast event in Kota Kinabalu.
Shahelmy is one of the several Sabah Umno leaders who had refused to toe the party line in withdrawing support for Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor during a political crisis in January 2023.
Earlier in his speech, Shahelmy had urged his campaign machinery to prepare for the possibility of a state election with the current assembly term nearing its end.
“From the machinery’s side, they are ready to face any possibility of the state assembly being dissolved,” he said.
“Preparations are continuously being improved so that everything is in place when the time comes.”
Asked if his remarks were a sign he intended to contest again, he said: “Something like that – but let’s keep that story for when the time comes.”
He added that no formal discussions have taken place with Zahid regarding his candidacy.
“No, we’ve only bumped into each other in Parliament – that’s all.”
Shahelmy appears reserved to reveal more details when questioned that he risked losing a federal seat if he decides to contest on another political ticket.
“These are assumptions or questions people have about my status.
“As of now, I am both the assemblyman for Tanjung Keramat and the MP for Putatan.
“As for whether I will contest again and under which party’s ticket – I’ll announce that later.” - March 24, 2025
