[UPDATED] GE15: EC site shows KDM’s Peter Anthony not on Tenom candidates’ list

KOTA KINABALU – Social Democratic Harmony Party (KDM) president Datuk Peter Anthony is out of the election race.

The former Warisan vice-president’s name was not listed in the candidates’ list for the Tenom parliamentary constituency, according to the Election Commission (EC) website.

A source from the party had earlier told The Vibes that the EC had refused to accept his nomination this morning.

However, the source said the party was still in talks with the EC and awaiting a fresh decision.

A riot broke out after Anthony’s supporters found out his nomination had been refused. 

Tenom will see a five-cornered fight between Pakatan Harapan-DAP, Barisan Nasional-Umno, Warisan, and two independent candidates.

Noorita Sual from DAP is Tenom’s incumbent MP.

Anthony lodges police report over rejection

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah later said that over 300 KDM supporters were involved in the tumultuous scenes.

He said EC refused to accept Anthony’s nomination papers as he still has an ongoing court case.

“Due to their dissatisfaction, over 300 supporters tried to crash into the nomination hall, forcing security personnel, comprising the light strike force unit, police and assisted by Volunteer Corps and Civil Defence Force members took action to quell the riot,” he said.

He added that the riot started around 12.30pm.

Idris confirmed that tear gas was used to disperse the angry supporters.

He said a meeting was held with Anthony, who is also the Melalap assemblyman, with EC officials and police inside the nomination hall to stop supporters from going wild.

“Around 2pm, Anthony went out of the hall and advised his supporters to accept the EC’s decision.

“However, he has lodged a police report over his dissatisfaction on his nomination being rejected,” he said.

Around 2.20pm the EC announced the candidacies of Noorita who represents Pakatan Harapan, Warisan’s Ukim Buandi, Barisan Nasional’s Jamawi Jaafar, and two independent candidates Riduan Bubin and Peggy Chaw Zhi Ting.

“By 2.38pm, the security at the nomination hall has come under control and party supporters began to return home,” said Idris, adding that no person has been arrested from the incident.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor condemned the fracas in Tenom.

He said any form of aggression and disturbance during the election is unacceptable.

“The public, especially the supporters of any party, should not be emotional and remain calm to ensure a smooth election,” he said.

Hajiji, who is Sabah Bersatu chief, urged the authorities to investigate the incident. – The Vibes, November 5, 2022