BN fields candidates on mission to defeat Hajiji, PBS president

BN will field candidates to challenge top Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders, namely its chairperson Hajiji Noor, and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) acting president Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

Dr Shahnon Rizal Thajuddin will be contesting Hajiji's Sulaman seat, while Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) member Japirin Sahadi will go against Gunsalam in Kundasang.

They are among 41 candidates that BN will be fielding in the upcoming state election.

Several more seats are still under negotiation with Pakatan Harapan, including Warisan president Shafie Apdal's seat Senallang.

Among the notable figures in the line-up are Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin, who will be defending his Lamag seat, as well as Sabah BN deputy chief Abdul Rahman Dahlan, who will contest in Tempasuk.

PBRS president Arthur Joseph Kurup will also be contesting a state seat for the first time, seeking to recapture Sook from former PBRS leader Ellron Angin.

Ellron had left the party after disagreeing with the appointment of Arthur as president by his father, the late PBRS founder Joseph Kurup.

MCA will contest in Kudat’s Tanjong Kapor with newcomer Kevin Lee.

‘Renewed confidence’

In Tanjung Keramat, BN is fielding newcomer Jeffrey Nor Mohamed, replacing Umno rebel Shahelmey Yahya, while in Tanjung Batu, Samsuddin Yusop replaces Andi Suryady Bandy.

In his speech before announcing the candidates, Bung said Umno was entering the election with renewed confidence and a clear strategy focused on winnable seats.

“The line-up of candidates reflects high qualifications and strong leadership credentials. Many hold Bachelor’s, Master’s and even PhD degrees, while two are medical doctors.

“This proves our candidates are not only experienced but intellectually and professionally capable of leading Sabah’s economic, technological and social development with competence and integrity,” he added.

The full list of candidates announced thus far is as follows:

Banggi - Normalah Rasik

Bengkoka - Harun Durabi

Pitas - Bolkiah Ismail

Tanjong Kapor - Lee

Pintasan - Tadzul Radim

Tempasuk- Abdul Rahman

Usukan - Salleh Said Keruak

Sulaman - Shahnon

Pantai Dalit - Alfian Sambas

Karambunai - Yakubah Khan

Darau - Arfansyah Abdul Gafar

Tanjung Keramat - Jeffery

Kawang - Jamal Norubit @ Nerub

Pantai Manis - Redzuan Ismail @ Gari

Bongawan - Mohamad Alamin

Membakut - Rusman Dulamit

Klias - Osin Jilon

Kuala Penyu - Awang Aslee Laka

Lumadan - Nazri Abdullah

Kundasang - Japirin

Paginatan - Jemada @ Junaidi Sahat

Liawan - Nik Nadzri Nik Zawawi

Sook - Arthur

Nabawan - Laiji Ompongoh

Telupid - Benedict Asmat

Sugut - Arifin Pachuk

Labuk - Yusuf Latif

Sungai Manila - Zaini Tiksun

Sungai Sibuga - Zharif Aizat Samsuddin

Lamag - Bung

Sukau - Jafry Ariffin

Tungku - Saleha Wahid

Silam - Sharif Musa Sharif Mabul

Kunak - Anil Jeet Singh

Bugaya - Abdul Manan Indanan

Balung - Erwan Palateh

Apas - Elmiariezan Ardan

Tanjung Batu - Samsuddin

Sebatik - Aslan Fadli Samsul Alang

Sabah polls expected to produce no clear winner, DAP leader says

Together yet apart: Harapan partners pursue separate goals in Sabah polls

Ahmad: BN ready to back Harapan, face off against 'traitors' in Sabah polls

Young voters expected to decide Sabah polls results - research centre

Hajiji: Give GRS new mandate to drive development plans

Sabah polls: GRS to announce candidates on Nov 12