With just four days to polling, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate in Klias, Isnin Aliasnih, has expressed confidence in retaining the seat.

Isnin (above), 55, said his chances of winning have increased following the support he received from former Sabah People's Hope Party (PHRS) president Lajim Ukin, who was one of his rivals in the 13th and 14th general elections.

"The last time I faced Lajim and a Warisan candidate, but this time Warisan is not contesting and Lajim is with me," he told Bernama.

Isnin, who holds a Master's degree from Universiti Putra Malaysia, said that in the beginning, people were not very clear about PN’s struggle.

However, after 10 days of campaigning, he feels the people now have a better understanding, thus support for him and PN has increased.

Isnin admitted that it was difficult to reach out to all the 16,905 voters in Klias through a house-to-house campaign.

"This is my third time contesting and the people already know my capability and will continue to support me.

"I always return to the kampung by midnight despite being based in Kota Kinabalu,” said the Kampung Takuli native, who converses with locals in the Bisaya language.

Meanwhile, Lajim believed that PN and other Gabungan Rakyat Sabah candidates would be well received by the people.

He said PN’s house-to-house campaign in Klias had received an encouraging response, partly because the people realised the importance of having an assemblyperson "aligned" with the federal government.

Lajim (photo) said although Muhyiddin Yassin has only been prime minister for a few months, the Pagoh MP had proven his ability to tackle national problems, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

In this state election, Isnin is involved in a six-way battle with candidates from Usno, Gagasan, PCS, PKR, and an independent.

In the 2018 general election, Isnin, who was contesting on a BN ticket, won the seat in a three-cornered fight by a 2,336 majority.

Early voting for the state election commenced today and polling is on Saturday, involving some 1.12 million voters.

- Bernama