Kota kinabalu: Kukusan state constituency incumbent Datuk Rina Jainal was not nominated by Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat) to contest in the 17th Sabah State Election after her party membership was suspended for three years, effective yesterday. Harapan Rakyat secretary-general Christy Chok stated that the suspension, which also included Rina’s role as party deputy president, followed her being found guilty of violating party discipline and failing to promote the party in community activities and matters in Kukusan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the decision to suspend Rina was made after the Supreme Council received recommendations from the party Disciplinary Committee following an investigation. Harapan Rakyat, a component of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), has taken this step ahead of the state election.
Meanwhile, Rina described her membership suspension before the nomination as dubious and an attempt to block her participation under the party in the state election. She expressed that the action appeared intentional to prevent her from contesting, noting that internal issues should be resolved amicably among party members.
Rina stated that while she respects the party’s decision, she maintains her right to defend herself. She plans to explain the situation to the people and remains committed to serving the Kukusan community despite these political challenges. Rina intends to discuss her future steps with her supporters and family.
The Election Commission has designated Nov 29 as polling day for the 17th Sabah state election, with nominations on Nov 15 and early voting on Nov 25. In the previous state election, Rina narrowly won the Kukusan seat while representing Parti Warisan Sabah, defeating her closest competitor, Chaya Sulaiman of Barisan Nasional (BN), by just 10 votes.
For more updates on the 17th Sabah State Election, please visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index-en.php.
Additionally, Rina announced her resignation from Harapan Rakyat effective today. She cited her decision as one of principle and dignity, alleging political sabotage by insiders who suspended her membership just before nomination day. She emphasized that she has severed all ties with Harapan Rakyat, suggesting that some party members aimed to eliminate her candidacy in the upcoming election.