KOTA KINABALU, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- The Election Commission (EC) has confirmed that Pakatan Harapan's (PH) candidate for the Silam state seat, Abd Halim Sidek Gulam Hassan, will remain on the ballot paper despite having announced his intention to withdraw after nomination day.

EC secretary Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus, in a statement, said the commission was aware of the candidate's intention to withdraw but emphasised that such action is not allowed under existing regulations.

"No candidate may withdraw his candidacy after 10 am on nomination day, in accordance with Regulation 9 of the Election (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1981," he said.