KOTA KINABALU: The Social Democratic Prosperity Party (KDM) is preparing to challenge Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which holds a stronghold in the ethnic Dusun heartland, spanning the foothills of Mount Kinabalu in the Ranau district.
The native-based KDM deputy president, Datuk Wetrom Bahanda, said that Ranau could become their stronghold as the party was gaining an "extraordinary” response from the local community during their series of visits to polling districts.
"Just like in other areas we have toured, support is increasing because the people are confident in the struggle that KDM is bringing to bring prosperity to the people.
"Ranau will be a stronghold of KDM in the upcoming elections," he said when speaking at the launch of the election machinery for the Kundasang, Paginatan and Karanaan constituencies on Saturday (July 27).
"I am confident that we will have a good chance to win in the Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus native seats," he said, adding that they were broadening KDM to include other non-Muslim native seats.
Kundasang state seat is held by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, the Karanaan state seat is held by Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah deputy president cum GRS secretary general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun and Paginatan is held by Sabah STAR vice president, Datuk Abidin Madangkir.
Wetrom said the party has identified the former state finance ministry permanent secretary, Datuk Rusdin Riman, to contest for the Paginatan state seat.
The party has previously suggested that a former bank officer, Datuk Jeffry Mohd Ali, would face Dr Gunsalam in Kundasang and a former assemblyman, Datuk Karim Adam, would contest against Masidi in Karanaan.
KDM, led by President Datuk Peter Anthony who was recently imprisoned, has expanded its influence in northern Sabah's Rungus community and secured a foothold in the Murut seat in interior Tenom.
