Two minutes too late: Two candidates fail to contest in Sabah polls

 

Abdul Hata Abdul Hala (center) from Parti Damai Sabah (SPP) was not allowed to enter the Nomination Centre for the 17th State Election (PRN) after arriving past 10 a.m. at Dewan Masyarakat Semporna. - NSTP/Asyraf Hamzah

SEMPORNA: The hopes of two Parti Damai Sabah candidates to contest in the Sabah election were dashed after they arrived late at the nomination centre at Dewan Arena Masyarakat Semporna today.

Abdul Hata Abdul Hala and Ahmad Daud Awang had been named as the party's candidates for the Sulabayan and Bugaya seats in the 17th Sabah General Election.

Abdul Hata said he accepted the outcome after failing to submit his nomination papers, arriving two minutes late this morning.

"We did register, but we were late by just two minutes. Perhaps this is a lesson," he told reporters outside the nomination centre.

Ahmad Daud Awang from Parti Damai Sabah (SPP) had to leave the Nomination Centre for the 17th State Election (PRN) after arriving past 10 a.m. at Dewan Masyarakat Semporna. NSTP/Asyraf Hamzah

He nevertheless thanked the Election Commission (EC) and staff at the nomination centre, saying they carried out their duties professionally.

"They worked hard to ensure all candidates competed in a healthy and collegial environment," he added - NST