KOTA KINABALU: With campaigning entering its final stretch, Pakatan Harapan’s bid for the Moyog and Tanjung Aru seats has received a boost with Barisan Nasional backing it in both.
Penampang Barisan officially gave its support for Pakatan’s Moyog candidate Remysta Jimmy Taylor late on Monday, which will see its machinery helping Pakatan for the remainder of the campaign period.
Moyog is located within the Penampang parliamentary constituency.
Penampang Barisan chairman Datuk Mohd Hasnol Ayub said there was “no ambiguity” about this cooperation.
“Even before they (Pakatan) asked for help, I already thought of helping. I personally know the Pakatan candidate very well.
“Perhaps this strategy can be emulated in other locations among local Barisan leaders,” he said, adding that the Barisan and Pakatan machinery in Penampang will move as one.
“In Penampang, we don’t have a problem,” said Mohd Hasnol, who also leads Penampang Umno.
PKR vice-president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said he worked closely with Mohd Hasnol to achieve the aim.
“Penampang Barisan has offered to give unconditional support.
“Three days ago, we had a discussion,” he added.
The Barisan and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) machinery have also come on board to assist Pakatan’s Datuk Chan Foong Hin, who is contesting the Tanjung Aru seat.
Putatan Umno deputy chief Reduan Aklee and Tanjung Aru PGRS chief Datuk Bahrul Razha Chuprat turned up in a show of support, introducing Chan to the public during walkabouts.
“Each of us has our own strengths; we complement each other.
“While other people tussle for power, we focus on the rakyat,” Chan said, adding that the event reflected how real change can be achieved through teamwork, fostering trust and prioritising the people.
Chan is up against Warisan vice-president Datuk Junz Wong in a nine-cornered battle for the Tanjung Aru seat.
Wong is defending the seat, which he won during the 2020 state polls with a 3,147-vote majority.
