GRS announces final four candidates for Sabah polls, completing 55-strong lineup as coalition aims to retain state government control.
TUARAN: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah has unveiled its final four candidates, completing the coalition’s 55-strong lineup for the upcoming state election.
GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced the candidates at the Tuaran Community Development Leaders Unit Sports and Family Day closing ceremony.
The new candidates include incumbent Sebatik assemblyman Datuk Hassan A Gani Pg Amir and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah Kukusan Division Chief Samsiah Usman.
Former Universiti Malaysia Sabah senior lecturer Associate Prof Dr Bonaventure Bonaface will contest in Tamparuli.
GRS Youth secretary Rafie Robert completes the list as the Bingkor candidate.
Hajiji described candidate selection as one of his toughest challenges before the election.
“All the names submitted to me had made contributions and enjoyed grassroots support and influence,” the Sabah Chief Minister said.
He emphasized that he could select only one candidate deemed most capable of delivering victory for each seat.
“I cannot choose two, only one, and this is where the challenge arises for me because all our supporters and leaders have contributed to the good of the party and GRS.”
Hajiji acknowledged some supporters might feel dissatisfied with the selections.
“As leaders, we must embrace tolerance and self-sacrifice, especially as we face the election,” he added.
The coalition’s primary mission now is securing victory to continue governing Sabah.
Hajiji expressed confidence in all GRS candidates’ ability to contribute to victory based on their diverse talents and experience.
He urged those not selected to support the GRS campaign machinery across all constituencies.
The Election Commission has set polling day for November 29 with early voting on November 25.
Seventy-three state assembly seats will be contested in the 17th Sabah state election. – Bernama
