Sabah PKR chairman Mustapha Sakmud said the coalition respected Abdul Halim’s decision, which he said was made independently without any external pressure.

PH will now contest 21 state seats in the Nov 29 election.

“He made this decision responsibly after considering various factors, including maintaining goodwill and harmony among PH component parties and political partners in Sabah,” Mustapha said in a statement.

“Despite withdrawing, Abdul Halim has pledged to continue serving the people of Silam and Lahad Datu in any capacity possible.”

Mustapha said Sabah PKR remained committed to political cooperation and stability in the state, adding that PH members and supporters in Silam and Lahad Datu should remain united and focused on ensuring victory for the coalition at the polls.

The Silam seat was set to see a nine-cornered fight between Abdul Halim, Mizma Appehdullah (GRS), Sharif Musa Sharif Mabul (Barisan Nasional), Balkis Kalinggalan (Perikatan Nasional), Yusof Apdal (Warisan), Brahim Bisel (Parti Impian Sabah), Mohammad Enriquez (Parti Damai Sabah), Syafiq Iqhmal Saharudin (Parti Kebangsaan Sabah) and independent Amat Kawoh Abd Rahman.

Warisan’s Dumi Pg Masdal won the seat in the 2020 Sabah election with a 1,542-majority vote.

The Election Commission has set Nov 25 for early voting and Nov 29 for polling.