Latest news with #Wetrom
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
KDM may field Chinese candidates in state polls
Wetrom TAWAU (July 7): Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) deputy president Datuk Wetrom Bahanda hinted that the party will nominate Chinese candidates in predominantly Chinese areas in the forthcoming state election (PRN). He mentioned that many people still misunderstand the true struggle of the KDM party, which they perceive as being limited to the Kadazan Dusun Murut community only. 'In fact, that perception is inaccurate … the term KDM refers to Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat, which is a party for all ethnicities,' he stated. Wetrom, who is also the KDM Election Director, made these remarks when launching the election machinery for N69 Sri Tanjung yesterday. He noted that besides the Sri Tanjung constituency, there are several Chinese leaders in other areas inviting KDM to contest. 'The party leadership is currently reviewing the matter and does not rule out the possibility of fielding a Chinese candidate in the upcoming PRN,' he said. Wetrom also reiterated KDM's stance to contest independently. 'Even though we face other parties from Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, it does not diminish our fighting spirit to strive for success in the PRN,' he remarked. Wetrom emphasised that if KDM succeeds in forming the state government, the party is ready to collaborate with the federal government. Regarding the Ambalat issue, he expressed hope that the Sabah state government could be involved in the negotiation process before any decisions regarding the matter are made. Also present at the event were vice presidents Gundohing Henry Saimpon, Dr Gaim James Lunkapis, Dr Oswald Aisat and Jumardie Lukman; secretary-general Willie Jude; Pensiangan division chief Jackrison Kilan; and DUN Sook coordinator Gundohing Edward Kandok.
Borneo Post
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
KDM eyes PBS stronghold Tandek
KOTA MARUDU (June 14): The Tandek state constituency (DUN) is one of the strongholds of the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), which is currently part of the ruling coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). However, this position was slightly tarnished when KDM candidate Datuk Wetrom Bahanda achieved a surprising victory in the Kota Marudu parliamentary election last time. It is reported that voters from all three DUNs – Matunggong, Tandek, and Bandau – have shown strong support for KDM. The question now is whether the voters of DUN Tandek, which is said to have around 27,000 people, will continue to support PBS/GRS in the upcoming state election (PRN). DUN Tandek is currently represented by Datuk Hendrus Anding, who is expected to defend his seat in the 17th PRN. Many observers predict that Hendrus will face a tough challenge in retaining the DUN Tandek seat this time. He is expected to compete against a KDM candidate determined to capture the Tandek seat. While speaking at a community event in Kampung Surun-Surun recently, Wetrom mentioned several figures who are likely to represent KDM in the upcoming PRN. Among those mentioned are Benson Tuyundo and the former district education officer and acting president of the Kota Marudu Football Association, Jimson Majemal. Also mentioned were Dato' Baintin Adun and Lewrence Saibon. Wetrom hopes that the people of Tandek will give strong support to any KDM candidate selected. 'We need to work hard and unite to ensure KDM win in Tandek,' he said. It is also understood that Warisan is expected to nominate Datuk Jilid Kuminding to contest in Tandek.
