Former Sabah DAP chairperson Frankie Poon has hinted at a shot to defend his Tanjung Papat state-seat for the third-term, but this time, under the local-based Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) platform.

When contacted, Poon (above), who quit DAP last month, confirmed that he would be submitting his KDM membership application tomorrow during a function at SMJK Tiong Hua, Sandakan.

"That is correct," Poon told Malaysiakini, "and yes to the question (on re-contesting in Tanjung Papat).”

KDM, founded in 2022, is currently led by its deputy president Wetrom Bahanda, after the Court in Appeal in August this year dismissed its president Peter Anthony's legal bid to have his guilty conviction and three-year jail sentence for document falsification reviewed.

Poon, however, declined further comments on Sabah DAP's line-up of seven candidates as announced earlier today by the party's secretary-general Anthony Loke, which comprised three women and four men - five of whom are under the age of 40.

Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat deputy president Wetrom Bahanda

"No comment [...] let voters decide," said Poon when asked if the line-up was reflective of his past claims that DAP has moved to allegedly "sideline" party veterans in favour of younger candidates.

He added that KDM is expected to announce the party's full candidates list on Nov 13, two days before official nominations.

Personal discontent

Earlier today, Free Malaysia Today quoted Poon as confirming that former Sabah DAP secretary Liau Fui Fui will also be joining KDM, citing claims of personal discontent.

According to the report, Sabah DAP secretary Vivian Wong previously denied that Poon and Liau had been sidelined by the party.

Wong reportedly said that both were given posts in GLCs on Sabah DAP’s recommendation, while Liau was fielded to contest the Batu Sapi parliamentary seat during the 2022 general election, which she lost to Deputy Tourism, Arts and Minister, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.

Sabah DAP halts 'rocket' launch for polls, to use Harapan logo

Sabah DAP halts 'rocket' launch for polls, to use Harapan logo

Sabah polls: Amanah seeks extra seat, pins hope on final talks

Sabah polls: Amanah seeks extra seat, pins hope on final talks

Together yet apart: Harapan partners pursue separate goals in Sabah polls

Together yet apart: Harapan partners pursue separate goals in Sabah polls

Ahmad: BN ready to back Harapan, face off against 'traitors' in Sabah polls

Ahmad: BN ready to back Harapan, face off against 'traitors' in Sabah polls

SAPP names six candidates for Sabah polls

SAPP names six candidates for Sabah polls