Datuk Darell Leiking
KAPAYAN: Warisan Sabah deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking is leaving the decision to choose the Kimanis by-election candidate to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal.
“We leave it to the Chief Minister who would represent Warisan,” he said to the media yesterday.
He said that the Umno and PAS pact in West Malaysia is not something to be concerned about in Sabah.
“Sabah is different. We will leave it to the Chief Minister. For now, let us focus on work,” he said.
He also said that the party is confident (in its performance) for the upcoming by-election.
Nevertheless, he stressed that the situation and needs of the area must be considered at all times.
Darell said this during a function co-organised together by the Penampang parliamentary member office, Kg Kapayan’s village chief and the Malaysia Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF).
The date for the Kimanis by-election has been set on Jan 18 by the Election Commission. Nomination day is on Jan 4 and early voting is on Jan 14.
The by-election is called after the parliamentary seat was declared vacant following the Federal Court’s decision on Dec 2 to uphold the Election Court’s ruling to nullify Datuk Seri Anifah Aman’s victory in the 14th general election.
Anifah said in a statement on Dec 19 that he would not be defending the Kimanis seat. However, he will contest in the parliamentary seat in the 15th general election.
Warisan Sabah has also yet to announce its candidate for the by-election.
Aside from the by-election issue, Darell also spoke of development for Kg Kapayan.
He said that the appointed Village Community Management Council here must provide his office with the list of needs for the upgrading of the community hall at the village.
He said that an allocation would be made ready next year.
He also said that out of 54 villages, they have already repaired 22 community halls.
During the event, MIDF also handed over hampers and monetary assistance to people with disability and the elderly at the village.