PBS to contest Sandakan by-election

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will contest in the May 11 Sandakan by-election and will be using its own symbol, says its president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.However, with less than three days before the nomination on Saturday, the party has yet to identify its candidate.

“PBS is currently screening its lengthy list of candidates which includes party members and potential outsiders to contest the seat.

“We hope to make a decision before nomination day,” he said.

Dr Ongkili said PBS was also excited to fly its own flag in the by-election, which was prompted by positive feedback on the idea from the party’s grassroots in the constituency.

The last time PBS flew its own flag was in the 1999 general election before it rejoined Barisan Nasional in 2002. The party has since quit the coalition after its poor performance in GE14 last May.

Meanwhile, Parti Solidariti Tanah AirKu (Sabah STAR) president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan confirmed that it would be sitting out of the by-election as the party was keen to see a single opposition candidate.“We are giving way for PBS under the Gabungan Bersatu Sabah cooperation,” he said when contacted.

Dr Jeffrey indicated that they were also expecting Barisan to leave the fight to the local opposition.

DAP is expected to field Vivian Wong, 30, the youngest daughter of the late Sandakan MP Stephen. She had worked closely with her father.