KDM deputy president Wetrom Bahanda made the announcement during the launch of the party’s east coast zone election machinery at SMJK Tiong Hua in Sandakan today, Harian Metro reported.

Poon was quoted as saying that several parties had approached him after he left DAP, but he chose to join KDM because it is a local party.

He expressed confidence that he could retain the seat, saying voters would recognise his hard work and dedication to the constituency despite his switch of parties.

“KDM has a solid manifesto for the people. The party fights for the people and for Sabah’s future. To truly serve the grassroots, we need a ‘home’, a party we can belong to,” he said.

Poon has been the assemblyman for Tanjong Papat for the last two terms, and also served as a state minister from 2018 to 2020.

Former Sabah DAP secretary Liau Fui Fui, who resigned from the party with Poon last month, is expected to contest the Elopura state seat.

Liau was fielded to contest the Batu Sapi parliamentary seat for Sabah DAP in the 2022 general election, but lost to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan by a 4,821-vote margin.

Wetrom said KDM is finalising two more state seats to contest in the coming polls.

“So far, we have confirmed (contesting in) 38 seats, including Tanjong Papat and Elopura. We are considering two more areas, possibly also on the east coast.

“We will make the announcement on Nov 13,” he said.

Present at the event today were KDM acting president Priscella Peter and secretary-general Willie Jude Junaidi.

Poon and Liau submitted their membership applications to KDM at the event.