Barisan Nasional's (BN) Pairin Kitingan has won the Keaningau parliamentary seat in Sabah, after his contender withdrew late last night.

According to Bernama today, independent candidate Jouti @ Joseph Ajun submitted his withdrawal paper at 10pm, and the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president was subsequently declared the winner.

This is the ninth parliamentary seat in Sabah which the ruling front has won without any contest. BN has also clinched a total of eight state seats. Nationwide, the coalition has now won 17 parliamentary seats and 11 state seats uncontested - six in Sarawak and two in Johor.

Speaking at a press conference at the PBS headquarters, Jouti said he decided to pull out of the race and support Pairin after considering the interest of unity among the Kadazandusun.

"I am also appealing to my supporters to give their undivided support to the BN candidates in this election," he added.

BN's strength

Asked to comment on his victory, Pairin said it showed that the candidate concerned had realised the strength of the BN. In 1999, Pairin narrowly defeated PBRS candidate Joseph Kurup by 250 votes. Pairin obtained 12,783 votes compared to Kurup's 12,783.

"Certainly this will further spur me on as a BN candidate to continue to give my best in the interest of my constituents.

"I thank the friend who has paved way for me. This is a good indication as it has further boosted the spirit and strength of the BN," he said.

Pairin has also been fielded to contest the Tambunan state seat. He is facing an independent candidate, Nester Joannes.

Besides Keningau, the parliamentary seats won by BN in Sabah thus far are Papar, Beaufort, Sipitang, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Tawau, Kalabakan and Batu Sapi.

Whereas the state seats pocketed are Melalap, Sekong, Tanjong Papat, Apas, Pantai Manis, Labuk, Sugut and Klias.

There are still 16 parliamentary and 52 state seats up for grabs come polling day on March 21.

Under new Election Commission guidelines, all nominees are allowed to withdraw their candidacy within three days from nomination day but their RM10,000 deposit would be forfeited. The deadline expires at midnight today.

Healthy development

Meanwhile, on candidates withdrawing from the race, EC chairperson Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman said this was a healthy development as the candidates had realised their position from the aspect of party machinery and campaign funds.

Abdul Rashid said any candidate who wished to withdraw had until midnight tonight to do so.

He reminded the people to come out in full force and cast their ballots on Sunday and not be bothered about pressure from anyone as their vote was secret.