KOTA KINABALU, El Sky News – Sabah enters a new chapter in its political history as a husband-and-wife team has been nominated to contest in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN).
Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, President of the United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) and former Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, together with his wife Puan Sri Diana Diego @ Yusrina Sufiona, will stand as candidates representing Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
At the candidate announcement ceremony led by GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Pandikar was named the candidate for the Pintasan constituency, while his wife will contest in Sekong. The Pintasan seat falls under the Kota Belud parliamentary area, and Sekong is part of Batu Sapi.
Pandikar expressed optimism about his chances, pointing out that he is now contesting under the state’s ruling coalition. He noted that he has remained active in politics and once came close to victory as an independent candidate, securing 2,660 votes but losing by only 84 votes.
He added that GRS has fielded strong candidates this election, many of whom have served their communities for years and developed close connections with local residents.
Meanwhile, Tan Sri Anifah Aman, President of Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), was named as the GRS candidate for Bongawan. The former Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to supporters and pledged to continue fighting for the state’s interests.
Hajiji, who also leads Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), announced that GRS will contest 55 of the 73 state assembly seats in the election.
GRS, formed nearly four years ago, is composed of Gagasan Rakyat, PCS, USNO, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah, and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The Election Commission (EC) has set nomination day for this Saturday, followed by early voting on November 25 and polling day on November 29.
