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KOTA KINABALU, August 18 – In a surprising turn of events, Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, formerly of Umno, is expected to defend his Tanjung Keramat state seat in the upcoming Sabah state elections under the banner of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). This move signals a significant shift in Sabah's political landscape, particularly as it pertains to the contentious Putatan parliamentary seat.

Shahelmey's decision to join GRS follows his departure from Umno earlier this year, a move that sent ripples through Sabah's political circles. His previous association with Umno had made him a prominent figure in Sabah politics, and his switch to GRS raises questions about the future of the coalition and its ability to maintain its dominance in the state.

The Tanjung Keramat seat has traditionally been a stronghold for Shahelmey, and his expected candidacy under the GRS ticket suggests a strong confidence in his ability to retain the seat. However, the bigger question mark hangs over the Putatan parliamentary seat. Shahelmey had previously contested and won Putatan under the Umno ticket, but with his move to GRS, the situation becomes more complex.

Sources close to GRS indicate that discussions are ongoing regarding the allocation of seats in Putatan. While Shahelmey is keen to contest the seat, other parties within the coalition, including Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), are also vying for the opportunity. This internal competition could prove challenging for GRS as it seeks to present a united front in the elections.

Political analysts suggest that Shahelmey's decision to defend Tanjung Keramat is a strategic move aimed at solidifying his position within GRS and demonstrating his continued relevance in Sabah politics. By securing Tanjung Keramat, he can then leverage his influence to negotiate a favorable outcome in Putatan.

The upcoming state elections are crucial for GRS, as they will determine the coalition's ability to maintain its power in Sabah. The inclusion of Shahelmey, a seasoned politician with a proven track record, is undoubtedly a boost for the coalition. However, the potential for internal conflict over the Putatan seat remains a significant challenge that GRS must overcome.

The public is keenly observing the developments, anticipating how the political maneuvering will ultimately shape the outcome of the elections. The coming weeks are expected to be filled with intense campaigning and negotiations as GRS seeks to secure its position as the leading political force in Sabah. The question remains: will Shahelmey’s ambition to represent Putatan be realized, and how will this impact the overall balance of power in Sabah?

Ultimately, the success of GRS in the upcoming elections will depend on its ability to manage internal tensions, present a cohesive message to the voters, and address the key issues facing Sabah.