Datuk Wetrom Bahanda (seated, centre) with leaders of Chinese business and school associations in Sandakan during PKDM’s engagement session.
SANDAKAN: Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (PKDM) will unveil its full slate of candidates for the Sabah election on Nov 13 at Palace Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, just two days before nomination day.
Deputy president Datuk Wetrom Bahanda said the party has so far confirmed 37 seats, with several others—including key constituencies in Sandakan—still being evaluated based on grassroots sentiment as PKDM intensifies efforts to expand its statewide presence.
PKDM’s leadership is currently meeting key groups in Sandakan, particularly Chinese business and school associations, to build rapport before making final electoral decisions.
"We want to introduce our direction first before deciding to contest," Wetrom said after a dialogue with Chinese associations at Sabah Hotel on Tuesday (Nov 4).
"If the Chinese community feels PKDM is a platform for them, then the possibility to contest here is very high."
Sandakan’s Chinese seats include Tanjong Papat, Elopura and Karamunting.
PKDM deputy president Datuk Wetrom Bahanda speaking during an engagement session with Chinese community leaders in Sandakan.
Wetrom noted that early response from the Chinese community throughout Sabah has been encouraging, with many eager to support a local party.
Among Chinese candidates identified are Ricky Hong (Sri Tanjong seat) and Roger Voo (Kemabong seat).
"So far it has been very positive. The Chinese community feels there should be a local movement, and they see PKDM as one of the local parties that operates solo and can represent the Chinese community," he said.
Formed in 2022 as a Sabah-based party, PKDM held the Melalap and Bandau seats before the state assembly’s dissolution.
Wetrom said the party aims to strengthen its voice in the next legislative term, contesting solo and only considering cooperation with other parties after polling if necessary.
PKDM will contest the Sabah election independently, emphasising its commitment to strengthening Sabah’s political voice and securing greater State Assembly representation.
While the party initially drew most support from Kadazandusun Murut-majority areas, PKDM is now seeing growing acceptance among Malays, Bajau and Chinese voters as it positions itself as a fully Sabah-based, multi-racial platform.
Datuk Wetrom Bahanda (right) with President of The United Chinese Communities Association Sandakan, Datuk Edward Khoo Get Ngian (centre).
Wetrom also announced the party will allocate senior leadership positions, including a deputy president and vice-president slot, to Chinese representatives in its upcoming internal elections to ensure inclusive Sabah representation.
"Our focus is Sabah. We want to win more seats so our voice in the State Assembly becomes stronger," he said.
Asked whether introducing the party in new areas close to polling day could be a disadvantage, Wetrom was confident it would not affect PKDM’s reach.
"No problem for us. As long as grassroots acceptance is there. One week or two weeks (before)…timing is not an issue," he said.
