Five-cornered fight in Sandakan polls

SANDAKAN POLLS | The Sandakan by-election will see a five-cornered fight, as officially announced by the Election Commission (EC).

Returning officer Mohamad Hamsan Awang Supain today confirmed the nomination of DAP’s Vivian Wong, Parti Bersatu Sabah’s (PBS) Linda Tsen and three independents for the coming polls.

The independents are Hamzah Abdullah, Chia Siew Yong and Sulaiman Abdul Samad.

The 65-year-old Hamzah is former Sabah Amanah and PAS chief, who contested the Batu Sapi parliamentary seat in GE14 and lost.

A political novice Chia, 46, is the adviser for NGO Suara Rakyat. This is not to be mistaken for human rights NGO Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram).

Sulaiman, 36, meanwhile is the former administrative assistant for the late Sandakan MP Stephen Wong.

DAP’s candidate Vivian, 30, is Stephen’s youngest daughter.

PBS’ candidate Tsen is the former Batu Sapi MP who won that seat in a by-election in 2010 after her husband and the then incumbent lawmaker Edmund Chong was killed in an accident.

The Batu Sapi parliamentary seat is adjacent to the Sandakan seat. She lost the seat to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong in the 14th general election.

The Sandakan by-election was triggered by the death of Stephen on March 28. He was also formerly the Sabah Minister of Health and People’s Wellbeing.

Polling day is set for May 11.

There are 39,777 voters in Sandakan, with 51 percent Chinese voters, 26 percent Sabah bumiputera, 16 percent Malays and 7 percent others.

EC commissioner Azmi Sharom said in a press conference after the announcement of the candidates that the commission is estimating a 70 percent turnout on polling day.

He also noted that they have decided to move the voting period half an hour earlier from the usual 8am to 5.30pm voting period.

As such, the Sandakan polls will open from 7.30am to 5pm on May 11.

Speaking to reporters, Tsen said she not only has eight years of experience as a lawmaker, but she was born and bred in Sandakan.

“I hope the people of Sandakan will vote for me, vote for PBS because this is a local and multiracial party.

“(Vote for me) so that I can be the voice for the people of Sandakan in Parliament,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal said Vivian is a young and educated leader who has a lot of experience working with the rakyat.

“I am sure the people and voters of Sandakan are smart and wise and I am confident they will give their support to DAP’s candidate Vivian,” he told reporters. 

Sandakan by-election: EC reminds all to adhere to election ethics, laws

PBS names Linda Tsen for Sandakan, banks on ex-MP's experience for upset

Multi-horse race in Sandakan as three independents emerge

Sandakan by-election kicks off today with nomination day