TENOM: The Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) has confirmed its participation in the upcoming state election.
Its president Datuk Peter Anthony, however, is unable to contest due to his pending appeal against a three-year prison sentence and RM50,000 fine.
The Melalap assemblyman nevertheless stressed that KDM's Supreme Council had unanimously agreed to continue their agenda to secure as many of the 43 targeted seats as possible.
He added that even if the appeal, scheduled for a decision on Jan 9, does not favour him, the party would proceed with fielding candidates in the identified constituencies.
"We aim to contest 43 seats, moving forward as a solo party. Regardless of the court's decision, KDM will continue with its preparations," he said at the launch of the PRN17 machinery for Kemabong.
Present were KDM deputy president and Kota Marudu MP, Datuk Wetrom Bahanda.
Peter continues to face legal hurdles following his 2022 conviction for falsifying documents related to a maintenance contract at Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
While his initial appeal was rejected, a final decision from the Court of Appeal is still pending.
Meanwhile, KDM is actively engaging with voters, particularly in Kadazandusun, Murut, Rungus, and Chinese-majority areas.
As part of its manifesto, the party has proposed incentives, including a RM300 monthly allowance for fresh graduates and RM500 annual aid for single mothers.