Kota belud: Former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, who is also the president of the United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), is facing a challenging contest involving ten other contenders for the Pintasan state seat in the 17th Sabah State Election. He is contesting under the banner of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pandikar Amin is up against Tadzul Radim from Barisan Nasional (BN), Awang Salleh Makmud of Perikatan Nasional (PN), Raplin Samat from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Abdullah Otong of WARISAN, and Datuk Almudin Kaida representing Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM). Lomog Rudin @ Efejus Rudin from Parti Impian Sabah (PIS) and four independent candidates are also in the fray. The independent candidates include Mohd Rizal Saiman, Syarif Mohd Shukree Danchingan, Tajuddin Padis, and the incumbent Datuk Fairuz Renddan, who is running as an independent after not receiving renomination from GRS.
In addition to the Pintasan seat, the Tempasuk state seat is witnessing a seven-way contest involving incumbent Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari from GRS, John Samud of KDM, Dr. Rimin Maun from Parti Kebangsaan Sabah (PKS), Azuwan Marjan @ Norjan from BN, Timuti Majitol of PIS, Mohd Khidir Lamsil from WARISAN, and Walter Mark Mukis from STAR.
Former Sabah Chief Minister and current Sabah UMNO treasurer, Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Salleh Said Keruak, is defending his Usukan seat in a six-cornered contest. He faces challenges from Jaefris Muadis of PIS, Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis of WARISAN, Ajun Meliyon as an independent candidate, Datuk Japlin Akim of GRS, and Mohd Lin Harun from STAR.
Meanwhile, in the Kadamaian seat, eight candidates are competing, including UPKO president Datuk Ewon Benedick, Norman Simon from WARISAN, Judin Tingih of Parti Bangsa Malaysia, Daibi Mandadi from PIS, James Muyau of GRS, Davylandon Rubbin from STAR, Josley Taising of KDM, and Priskila Akwila Sinem from Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (Anak Negeri).
The announcement of the candidates was made by Returning Officer Peter Jiton following the nomination process at the Dewan Masyarakat Tun Said Keruak.