Shahelmey Weighing Options As Umno Ultimatum Looms Ahead Of Sabah Polls

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Caught between party loyalty and political ambition, suspended Umno member Shahelmey Yahya is still weighing his next move ahead of the Sabah state election, amid warnings of legal action and a RM100 million fine for those who defy the party line.
“I have taken note of the statement from the Umno secretary-general and am still in the process of considering my political position,” he said in Putatan on Friday.
Shahelmey (above) said there was still time before nomination day on Nov 15, adding that three weeks in politics was “a long time” in which “many things can happen.”
“What is important is that any decision we make must be for the good of all. In any election, the main objective is to seek the people’s mandate.
ADS“When the time comes, after nominations and the two-week campaign period, the power rests with the people to choose the leaders they want,” he said.
When asked if he planned to contest as an independent candidate, Shahelmey replied briefly: “Wait and see.”
Party pressure
Shahelmey’s remarks follow a reminder from Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki that members who contest using another party’s logo will face disciplinary action and a possible RM100 million penalty.
The Tanjung Keramat assemblyperson, who was suspended from Umno earlier this year but continues to serve as Putatan MP, had previously not ruled out contesting under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) banner in the state polls.
Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar RadinHis position became more complicated after Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin named Jeffrey Nor Mohamad, the Putatan Umno division chief, as the party’s candidate for Tanjung Keramat.
EC chairperson Ramlan Harun emphasised that the authority to declare any parliamentary vacancy rests solely with the Dewan Rakyat speaker.
He, however, said the commission will review any cases involving potential breaches of election or party-hopping provisions once officially notified.
Nomination for the 17th Sabah election has been set on Nov 15, while early voting on Nov 25, and polling on Nov 29. - Mkini

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