PUTATAN: Putatan MP Datuk Shahelmey Yahya has played down speculation over his political future, saying that any decision on contesting in the next election will be made "at the appropriate time".
Asked whether he intends to remain with Sabah Umno or switch parties, he replied: “That is what I have said before, I will let you know when the time comes.”
Shahelmey also clarified his position in relation to the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah - Pakatan Harapan Plus alliance, which has sparked questions about Barisan Nasional’s role in the coalition.
“I am not a party member of GRS or Pakatan. I am still a Barisan assemblyman and parliamentarian,” he said when met at the Putatan Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house on Sunday (Apr 20).
The Deputy Chief Minister and Works Minister added that the “Plus” in GRS-Pakatan Plus refers to Barisan representatives who are not official members of the state coalition but are involved in supporting the current Sabah government.
“There are others like me - former assistant rural development minister Harun Durabi, Tanjung Batu assemblyman Datuk Andi Suryady Bandy, and the late Sungai Sibuga assemblyman Datuk Mohamad Hamsan,” he said.
Shahelmey said this inclusion underscores the broad base of support for the current state administration, despite differing party affiliations.
