Star mulls contesting Sandakan by-election

Following in PAS’ footsteps, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku Rakyat Sabah (Star) has become the second opposition party to express interest in contesting the Sandakan by-election.

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

Star president Jeffrey Kitingan said the party is mulling over the possibility of nominating a candidate, but that the decision would also be subject to discussion with its coalition partners in Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (GBS).

“We are thinking of contesting, but some members of GBS may also be interested, so we are going to discuss among ourselves and decide whom to put forward as the candidate.

“We will meet anytime this week. I have spoken to them also and am waiting for them to decide,” the Sabah opposition leader told Malaysiakini.

It is learnt that Star may nominate Liew Wean Chee, the party’s Tanjung Papat division chief, as its candidate. Tanjung Papat is one of two state constituencies within Sandakan.

GBS comprises Star, Parti Bersatu Sabah and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah.

PAS had announced last week that it would field a candidate in the by-election.

Making way for DAP

Meanwhile, LDP has decided to stay out of the by-election despite contesting the parliamentary seat in the 14th general election.

It had contested the seat as a member of BN, but has since left the coalition.

LDP president Chan Shu Pin said that following a party leadership meeting, LDP has decided to make way for DAP, which won the seat previously.

According to Sin Chew Daily, Chan said the outcome of the Sandakan by-election would not affect the balance of power in Parliament.

Hence, he opined there is no need for the party to contest the by-election, and that it respected the decision of the voters in GE14.

According to 2018 election data, the ethnic composition of Sandakan voters is as follows: 51 percent Chinese; 26 percent Sabah bumiputera; 16 percent Malay; and seven percent from other ethnicities.

The Chinese-majority seat is seen as a DAP stronghold.

The Sandakan by-election was called after its MP Stephen Wong died from a heart attack on March 28.

Malaysiakini had reported that Sabah DAP is expected to field one of the late MP Stephen Wong's daughters to defend the coastal constituency. 

Vivian Wong, 30, holds the brightest chance of being fielded as the party’s candidate, according to sources. 

Nomination day for the Sandakan by-election will be April 27, while polling will take place on May 11. The campaign period will last 14 days. - Mkini

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