PN takes on Hajiji in Sabah polls, skips Shafie and Kitingan's seats

Perikatan Nasional has announced that it would contest 41 out of the 73 seats available for the Sabah state election.

Interestingly, the federal opposition coalition’s list seems to be targeting Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders, while staying out of seats held by Warisan president Shafie Apdal and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) president Jeffrey Kitingan.

In terms of breakdown, Bersatu is contesting 33 seats, PAS five, and Gerakan three - all under the PN symbol.

To take on Hajiji Noor for the Sulaman seat, PN chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin announced the candidacy of Tuaran Bersatu Young Women chief Tiaminah Siti Aminah Ele, dubbed one of the most anticipated battles of the polls.

Sabah PN chief Ronald Kiandee will face James Ratib of Gagasan Rakyat Sabah and Umno’s Arifin Pachuk in Sugut, while Ranau Bersatu division chief Atong Antong has been tasked to battle PBS acting president Dr Joachim Gunsalam for Kundasang.

The approach appeared to target seats held by former Bersatu leaders who left the coalition in 2022.

In a statement later, Kiandee announced that DG Nor Syafiqah Abdul Hamid will contest the Sindumin seat, which is held by GRS' Yusof Yacob.

The campaign, launched under the slogan “Kasi Bagus Sabah” or “Make Sabah Great”, marks PN’s attempt to rebuild its presence after losing power following the defection of Hajiji and his allies.

Muhyiddin’s message of renewal

Muhyiddin, during his speech, said the mandate lies with the people of Sabah to determine their own future.

“Sabah’s destiny must always remain in the hands of its people,” the former prime minister added.

He explained that the PN candidates were chosen for their integrity and capability, describing the selection as “the first step towards forming a clean and stable government in Sabah”.

Heaping laurels on his own coalition, Muhyiddin said a PN administration would prioritise basic infrastructure issues such as roads, electricity and water supply, and push anti-corruption reforms “down to the grassroots”.

“It is hard to believe that in some parts of Sabah, people still live without power,” he added.

Sabah’s rights and federal tone

Kiandee said Sabahans would not be intimidated by the tone of federal leaders over the state’s 40 percent revenue entitlement, referring to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks defending federal allocations.

“Even when they raise their voices at us, we are not afraid. We know our rights under Article 112C (of the Federal Constitution) and it must be returned to Sabah,” the former minister said, stressing that it was not about defiance but fairness.

Anwar had recently said that Putrajaya collected about RM10 billion from Sabah and returned RM17 billion through allocations for education, health, and security during an exchange with an unidentified man.

Muda to sit out Sabah polls, will not endorse any party

COMMENT | Sabah's pivotal youth power

Upko to decide next move, hints at split from Harapan

Anwar unveils Musa Aman's son as PKR candidate in Sabah polls

BN fields candidates on mission to defeat Hajiji, PBS president

COMMENT | Sabah's significant stakes