Tok Mat: Barisan will not contest in Sandakan by-election

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional will not contest the Sandakan parliamentary by-election.

Announcing the decision last night, Barisan deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the component parties discussed the issue at length before deciding.

“Historically, the seat has been contested by candidates from Sabah-based parties.

“We will see how we can lend our support to the candidate after nominations, especially if that candidate is deemed to be Barisan-friendly,” he said after chairing a Barisan supreme council meeting at Menara Dato’ Onn at PWTC here yesterday.

Also present was MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and MIC president Tan Sri S.A. Vigneswaran.

The Sandakan by-election is being held following the death of Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Stephen Wong on March 28.

Mohamad, who is the Umno deputy president, warned members of Umno, MCA and MIC that their membership would be stripped if they decided to stand as Independent candidates in the by-election scheduled for May 11.

Despite Barisan dropping out from the race, Mohamad said it would not be an easy win for Pakatan Harapan as it would have to face-off with other local parties.

Mohamad said the Barisan would focus its efforts on preparing for the 15th general election.

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has confirmed that it would contest the Sandakan by-election.

At least three Independents have indicated interest in contesting too.

Sandakan has 39,777 registered voters comprising 49% Chinese, 44% Muslim bumiputra and 6% non-Muslim bumiputra.

Earlier yesterday, Mohamad had also said after chairing an Umno supreme council meeting that the party would stay out of the Sandakan poll and added that the Umno general assembly would be held this Nov 13 to 16.

“We need an extra day to hold an extraordinary general meeting to amend the party’s constitution as it is no longer in the government,” said Mohamad, who is carrying out the duties of the party president.

Among others, he said, the amendments will look at easing new members’ registration and giving full autonomy to the Sabah chapter.

He said following a vetting process by the party headquarters, its membership had reduced from 3.6 million to about three million.

“Those with doubtful membership status will be decided at the division level, “he said.