KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya is aware of possible scenarios for his political career in the next state election.
The suspended Umno member said he accepted state party chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's message that he would have to vacate his Putatan parliamentary seat if he wishes to defend his Tanjung Keramat state seat.
"I take note of Bung's comment on vacating the seat as a possible scenario in the coming state election, in accordance with the anti-party hopping law.
"I understand the message and have accepted it with an open heart," he said when contacted.
The term of the state assembly will end in October next year.
Regarding his next course of action, Shahelmey said he had no plans and would cross that bridge when the right time comes.
"Presently, I have not made any decision yet about it. I will only make a decision when I feel the suitable time has come."
The membership suspension against Shahelmey began when the state public works minister defied Bung's attempt to topple Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's administration in the so-called "Kinabalu Move" in January last year.
In 2020, Hajiji's then-party, Bersatu, Umno, and several local-based parties joined forces under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah to form the state government.
However, Sabah started to experience brief political turmoil after Sabah lawmakers, including Hajiji, quit Bersatu as Umno teamed up with Parti Warisan and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat to oppose the current government.
Currently, Umno has 11 state lawmakers in the 73-member state assembly.