The bloc’s secretary, Edward Dagul, said Gabungan Sabah was considering many factors before committing to a decision on whether to take part in the by-election.

“Gabungan Sabah leaders are also having discussions with leaders from other Sabah-based parties on the matter. We will also seek the views from Sabahans at large and Sandakan folk in particular for their opinion,” he said here today.

Dagul said there was growing frustration with the failure of the present government to deliver on election promises, as well as the rampant defections by Sabah politicians.

“Broken election pledges, the recent coming and going of politicians from party A to party B as well as political parties switching sides after the last general election have made the people wary of politicians and politics in general,” he said

Gabungan Sabah or United Sabah Alliance consists of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah (PPRS) and Parti Kebangsaan Sabah (PKS).

Sandakan MP Stephen Wong, 64, who was Sabah DAP chief, is reported to have died of a heart attack after he took part in a hike at Tambaig Adventure Park.