Kdm Denies Meeting Kitingan Will Fly Solo In Sabah Election

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Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) has said it will fly solo in the upcoming Sabah election.
Its deputy president, Wetrom Bahanda, has denied discussing an alliance with other parties, including Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star).
In a statement today, he refuted reports claiming that he had met with Star president Jeffrey Kitingan over the possibility of KDM joining the proposed Gerakan Bersatu Sabah (GBS).
“It is not true (that KDM will join GBS). I have never discussed this matter with anyone, including Kitingan.
“KDM maintains its previous decision to contest solo in the upcoming state election. This decision reflects the wishes of the grassroots, who want KDM to stand on its own,” he added.
Kitingan’s bid to woo
Yesterday, Kitingan said he has been in talks with several local-based party leaders keen on joining GBS, a new political bloc formed by former Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) parties - Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and Star.
He also said that he had spoken to Wetrom (above) about KDM joining GBS, but remained doubtful given the party’s earlier announcement that it would contest 38 seats.
Star president Jeffrey Kitingan“I’m not sure whether they will be part of GBS. I noticed they have announced so many candidates, and I may not be able to work with that.
“Yet, we’ve had positive discussions, but it’s yet to be finalised,” Kitingan told Malaysiakini.
If KDM joins, he added, seat negotiations would have to be revisited to avoid overlaps with other component parties.
KDM, led by acting president Priscella Peter following Peter Anthony’s imprisonment, remains a rising force after capturing the Kota Marudu parliamentary seat through Wetrom in 2022.
KDM also holds two state seats, Melalap and Bandau, after incumbents Anthony and Wetrom defected from Warisan and Bersatu, respectively.
GBS to challenge GRS
GBS is expected to remain an ad hoc alliance for now with Star and SAPP as its core components.
Both parties parted ways from GRS early this month after they decided to contest under their own logos.
GRS component party leadersThey also opposed the GRS decision to grant wide concessions to its federal ally Pakatan Harapan in seat negotiations for the state election.
GBS plans to contest in all 73 seats, making clashes with former ally GRS inevitable.
Sabah will head to the polls on Nov 29, with early voting set for Nov 25. - Mkini

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