KOTA KINABALU – Deputy Prime Minister and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described the unusually high number of independent candidates contesting in the 17th Sabah state election as a sign that the people of Sabah truly enjoy the democratic atmosphere in the state.
"The more who run, the merrier. I think Sabahans really enjoy it when they get the chance to become candidates. Even without a party, with any symbol, they still want to contest, so we just deal with it," he said in jest in response to a question.
He said this when asked about the increase in independent candidates this time, which has reached as many as 74 contestants.
Meanwhile, when asked about elements of a boycott involving Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Sindumin state seat Datuk Yamani Hafez Musa, he said the issue had already been resolved.
"We have resolved that issue because we have a Crisis Management Team established for any constituency outside the Peninsula facing such problems. We’ve refined the situation so the party machinery can move together," he said.
Earlier, Zahid attended an engagement session with the media here.