USNO president Pandikar Amin expresses confidence in winning Pintasan seat in Sabah state election, while incumbent Fairuz defends as independent candidate.
KOTA BELUD: United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia expressed confidence in winning the Pintasan seat despite facing an 11-cornered contest in the Sabah state election.
He attributed his confidence to his extensive experience and long-standing relationship with constituents after serving the community for over four decades.
“What gives me confidence in Pintasan is the fact that I have served here for about 40 years,” Pandikar Amin told Bernama after the nomination process at Tun Said Keruak Community Hall.
He noted that in the last election, he lost to Datuk Fairuz by only 84 votes when Fairuz was nominated by Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional.
Pandikar Amin stated he is now better prepared compared to the 2020 state election with a strengthened election machinery.
“Right now, I am far more prepared than in 2020,” he said, adding that as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah deputy chairman he brings years of experience.
Meanwhile, incumbent Pintasan Assemblyman Datuk Fairuz Renddan confirmed he is defending the seat as an Independent candidate.
Fairuz revealed he had resigned as GRS Youth chief ahead of the election.
He said his decision to contest independently was driven by personal integrity and commitment to uphold Sabah’s youth spirit.
The N08 Pintasan seat features an 11-cornered contest among candidates from multiple parties and independents.
Contenders include Awang Salleh Makmud (PN), Syarif Mohd Shukree Danchingan (Independent), Raplin Samat (STAR), Abdullah Otong (WARISAN), Tajuddin Padis (Independent), Datuk Almudin Kaida (KDM), Tadzul Radim (BN), Mohd Rizal Saiman (Independent) and Lomog Rudin (PIS).
Polling for the 17th Sabah State Elections covering 73 seats is scheduled for November 29 with early voting on November 25. – Bernama
