Verdon serius pertimbang sertai BN, bukan buru tiket PRU16

Verdon Bahanda, the Parliamentarian for Kudat, has expressed serious consideration towards joining the Barisan Nasional (BN), but clarified that this step is not due to aspirations of becoming a candidate in the 2016 PRU. The decision remains at the discussion stage and can only be made after Parliament is dissolved due to him still being bound by anti-defection laws.

During the Rungus Cultural Carnival in Kudat last Saturday, Verdon's remarks that he is not hoping for a candidacy in PRU16 were merely an expression of gratitude to BN's Secretary-General Zahid Hamidi and Secretary Arthur Kurup for the numerous supporters he received as an independent representative. Verdon's wish is to support and help elect the party's candidate to improve the situation in Kudat Parliament in the 2016 PRU if he does not contest again.

He also informed Anwar Ibrahim of his intention during the Prime Minister's visit to Banggi Island in May. During Zahid's program in Kudat, Verdon and his brother Wetrom, who is also a Parliamentarian for Kota Marudu, were seen wearing blue, symbolizing their unity with BN, since long. This led to speculation that both brothers might join BN through the People's Unity Party (PBRS) led by Arthur.

Verdon won the Kudat Parliament seat in PRU15 with a majority of 1,967 votes using a free ticket in a five-seat constituency. However, he lost his seat in DUN Tanjong Kapor in PRN Sabah last November. At that time, he led the "Black Wave" movement, a coalition of independent candidates. Wetrom won the Kota Marudu Parliament seat in PRU15 with a ticket from the Democratic Equality Society Party (KDM) with a majority of 8,174 votes, defeating Maximus Ongkili, who was then the President of the Sabah United Party (PBS).

However, like Verdon, Wetrom also lost his seat in Matunggong to Supt. General Julita Majungki of PBS, who won with a majority of 334 votes.