KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam is unfazed despite a bullish challenge by Parti KDM that his Kundasang state seat would be among the seats it would conquer in the upcoming Sabah state election.
The acting Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president said anyone or party was free to contest wherever they thought they had a chance.
“We are a democratic country where anyone is free to contest (but) ultimately, it is the rakyat who will choose who they want to represent them in the State Legislative Assembly,” he said, in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 16).
Gunsalam, who is also Deputy Chief Minister II, said the Kundasang PBS election machinery along with its task force will continue to work hard and serve the people.
The veteran politician's remarks directly responded to a statement by KDM president Datuk Peter Anthony last Sunday (Oct 13) announced that they were eyeing Gunsalam’s seat in the 17th Sabah polls due in the next 12 months.
Anthony said KDM was feeling upbeat about its chances in Kundasang after its deputy president Datuk Wetrom Bahanda defeated PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili in a six-cornered fight for the Kota Marudu MP seat in the last general election.
Gunsalam has held the rural Kundasang seat, which is a Kadazandusun majority area, for five terms since 2004.
Ongkili had handed the PBS presidency to Gunsalam on June 1 due to health reasons.
Gunsalam said the Kundasang constituency has become more developed including in terms of infrastructure and clean treated water supply, adding the electricity supply has also reached almost 85% of the constituency.
“I will ensure the machinery in Kundasang give the best service and report to me directly as I am also needed at the state level in my role as the Deputy Chief Minister and Local Government and Housing Minister,” he said.
