A record 596 candidates contest the 17th Sabah state election, featuring 23 parties, sibling rivalries, and multiple-cornered fights across 73 seats
KOTA KINABALU: The 17th Sabah state election has become a celebration of democracy with a record 596 candidates contesting 73 state seats.
This represents a significant increase from the 447 candidates who contested in the 2020 state election.
Election Commission chairman Datuk Seri Ramlan Harun confirmed that 525 candidates are men while 71 are women.
He also revealed that no nominations were rejected during the nomination process.
Twenty-three political parties are participating in the election, with Parti Warisan fielding candidates for all 73 seats.
Parti Impian Sabah follows with 72 candidates, while Gabungan Rakyat Sabah fields 55 candidates.
Other major parties include Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (46), Barisan Nasional (45), and Perikatan Nasional (42).
The election features both the oldest candidate, 86-year-old Uling @ Thomas Anggan from PKS contesting Bingkor, and the youngest candidate, 24-year-old Mohd Syafiq Iqhmal Saharudin.
Multiple-cornered fights dominate the election, with Tulid seat witnessing a 14-cornered contest.
Thirteen-cornered fights will occur in Bandau, Tamparuli, Inanam, and Kapayan constituencies.
Twelve-cornered contests are scheduled for Banggi and Moyong, while 11-cornered fights will take place in six other seats.
Four federal deputy ministers are among the candidates contesting in the state election.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup faces a five-cornered fight in Sook.
Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin contests in a nine-cornered fight for Tanjung Aru.
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Deputy Science Minister Mohammad Yusof Apdal also face multi-cornered contests.
Several prominent figures from arts and sports have entered the political arena.
Famous Sabah actor and singer Abu Bakar Ellah, known as Ampal, contests in Kuamut under KDM.
Veteran Kadazandusun singer John Samud stands in Tempasuk, also representing KDM.
Former RTM newscaster Francis Fahir contests in Pantai Dalit under STAR’s banner.
Former Sabah football figures Henry Soimpon and Jekerison Kilan are also standing as KDM candidates.
The election features two sibling rivalries in Kukusan and Petagas constituencies.
Two sons of former Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman are contesting different seats.
Datuk Yamani Hafez Musa represents PH in Sindumin while his brother Hazem Mubarak Musa stands for GRS in Sungai Manila.
Two former chief ministers are also contesting – Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal defends Senallang while Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak defends Usukan.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun reported that nominations proceeded smoothly without any police reports.
He urged all parties to maintain this professional spirit throughout the election period.
Voting will take place on November 29, with early voting scheduled for November 25. – Bernama
