By Social activist Lesaya Lopog Sorudim
KOTA KINABALU: The recent Court of Appeal decision against Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) President Peter Anthony, resulting in his jail term, has raised concerns about the party’s future.
Given his central role in KDM’s formation and growth, some may assume that this marks the beginning of the party’s decline.
However, such assumptions may be premature.
The emergence of strong leaders within KDM—including Deputy President Dato Wetrom Bahanda, his brother Kudat MP Dato Verdon Bahanda, and Peter’s son or daughter—suggests that the party may be on the brink of a new era rather than its downfall.
A Leadership Challenge or a Political Rebirth?
Peter Anthony’s legal troubles pose a significant challenge for KDM, but they also present an opportunity for the party to restructure and reinforce its leadership.
Instead of relying on a single figure, KDM now has the chance to distribute power among capable individuals who can extend its influence across multiple communities in Sabah.
The Bahanda Brothers: Strengthening the Rungus Community’s Political Influence
A key development in KDM’s potential resurgence is the possible collaboration between Deputy President Dato Wetrom Bahanda and his brother, Kudat MP Dato Verdon Bahanda.
Both are influential figures in the Rungus community, and their combined leadership could consolidate Rungus political strength under KDM.
Although Verdon is listed as an independent in Parliament, if he teams up with Wetrom, the Bahanda brothers have the potential to unify the Rungus people, expanding KDM’s support base beyond its current reach.
Another significant player in KDM’s future is Peter Anthony’s son or daughter, thus providing the party with strong representation in the Murut community.
By bringing the Murut and Rungus communities together under the leadership of the Bahanda brothers and other KDM leaders could establish itself as the leading voice for Sabah’s indigenous groups.
A New Political Powerhouse in Sabah?
If Dato Verdon Bahanda could officially join forces with his brother Wetrom and other leaders within KDM, the party could reshape the political landscape in Sabah.
This alliance would bring together the strength of the Rungus and Murut communities, creating a formidable political force capable of challenging larger parties in the state.
KDM’s core mission of advocating for indigenous rights and regional development would gain even greater credibility with these leaders at the helm.
While Peter Anthony’s legal troubles are a setback, they do not mark the end of KDM.
In fact, the party may be on the verge of an even stronger future.
With the Bahanda brothers potentially consolidating Rungus political influence and Peter’s supporters in Tenom in rallying the Murut community, KDM could emerge as a major political force in Sabah.
So, don’t write off KDM just yet—the party’s most impactful chapter may still be ahead.
