PAS to sit out Sandakan polls, will support opposition

PAS has decided not to field a candidate for the upcoming Sandakan parliamentary by-election.

They will instead give their support to an "opposition representative" who will place a candidate against Pakatan Harapan.

"The PAS central working committee meeting on April 15, 2019 has made the decision not to field a candidate in the Sandakan, Sabah by-election on May 11 as announced by the Election Commission," PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said in a statement today.

PAS hopes the result of this by-election will strengthen the opposition, especially as the Sandakan seat once belonged to BN.

A victory for the opposition in Sandakan will make the check and balance system more effective in Parliament, Takiyuddin said.

"In line with that, Sandakan and Sabah PAS specifically will mobilise their election machinery to help the opposition candidate in this by-election.

"PAS will also instruct and call on our members and supporters in the area to cast their ballot along party stance and provide support to the candidate representing the opposition," he said.

Previously, Sandakan PAS commissioner Mohd Aminuddin Aling said they were ready to field a candidate in the by-election.

However, he said the final decision would only be made after further discussion.

Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku Rakyat Sabah (Star) has also expressed interest in contesting in the polls.

However, Sabah Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which previously contested the parliamentary seat, has decided to opt out of next month’s poll.

Meanwhile, Harapan is likely to field Vivian Wong, the daughter of the former Sandakan MP Stephen Wong.

Stephen's death from a heart attack on March 28 triggered the by-election.

Nomination day for the by-election is on April 27, while polling day is on May 11.