Suspended Umno duo to contest under GRS banner in Sabah election

ByEnigma 808

Suspended Umno leaders Datuk Shahelmey Yahya and Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy are set to run in the upcoming 17th Sabah election under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) banner, potentially shaking up the political landscape in the state. GRS chairman and Sabah caretaker Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed the duo’s intentions but said their official status would be decided later.

Shahelmey, a deputy chief minister and multiple-term MP and assemblyman, along with Andi, who holds a caretaker minister role and several assembly seats, were key figures in the 2023 move that saw Umno assemblymen withdraw support for the party to back GRS. Their decision could trigger the federal anti-hopping law, possibly leading to by-elections for their parliamentary seats.

Meanwhile, Andi is facing a corruption charge related to a mineral licence deal. Hajiji mentioned that GRS is still finalizing its candidate list and talks with Pakatan Harapan (PH) on seat distribution are ongoing. GRS plans to focus on constituencies where it stands the best chance of winning.

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    Besides writing and being a content creator, Enigma 808 sometimes likes to watch paint dry on walls, listening to ASMR while timing snails racing. Such is life.