All in: Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (second from right), flanked by Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (centre) and MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, officiating the coalition’s election machinery in Kota Kinabalu. Also present is Sabah Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (second from left). — Bernama
Barisan still in talks over several more seats
KOTA KINABALU: Barisan Nasional will contest 41 of the 73 seats, with its chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin set to lead the coalition to “win back” the state government they lost in the 2018 general election.
Bung Moktar, who declared an all-out war against the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government and all other opponents, said Umno will contest 38 seats, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) will contest two seats and MCA will contest one seat in the state election.
However, he expects more seats to be announced as negotiations with their partner Pakatan Harapan is still in progress.
Bung Moktar said Barisan are still discussing six or seven more seats.
It is learnt that at least two or more seats are expected for PBRS to contest while Umno is also planning to name a candidate for Senallang, the seat held by opposition leader Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
A medical doctor is Barisan’s choice to take on Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in his stronghold of Sulaman.
Brain surgeon Dr Shahnon Rizal Thajuddin, 32, is one of two young medical talents Barisan is fielding in this election.
The other candidate is 35-year-old Dr Elmi Ariezan Ardan, a paediatrician, and he will be contesting in Apas.
Bung Moktar, who will be defending his Lamag seat, said PBRS president Datuk Arthur Kurup will contest the interior Sook seat while Kudat MCA division chief Kevin Lee will make the party’s first foray into the traditional Chinese mixed seat of Tanjong Kapor in Sabah’s northern Kudat.
Former federal minister Datuk Seri Mohd Salleh Said Keruak will defend his family’s traditional Usukan seat while Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan will make a political comeback to contest in Tempasuk.
Sabah Umno MPs, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin will contest in Bongawan and Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir is Barisan candidate for Sungai Sibuga.
Barisan’s candidate for Kundasang, Japirin Sahadi Sahat, will be taking on a big name – GRS’ Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) acting president Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
The widely sought after Tanjung Keramat seat held by suspended Umno assemblyman and Putatan MP Datuk Shahelmey Yahya will be contested by Putatan Umno division chief Jeffrey Nor Mohamad.
Bung Moktar said 80% of Barisan’s candidates are fresh faces, reflecting the coalition’s commitment to offer credible and qualified individuals, who are aligned with the aspirations of the people.
He said the candidates are capable and able to deliver reforms to strengthen the state’s development direction.
“The selection of the two medical professionals (Dr Shahnon Rizal and Dr Elmi Ariezan) is proof that we are serious about offering high-quality candidates with intellectual capability, professional expertise and empathy for the people.
“The line-up of candidates presented today (yesterday) reinforces high educational attainment, extensive experience and the capacity to lead change,” Bung Moktar said.
