KOTA KINABALU: The Inanam state constituency, situated on the periphery of Kota Kinabalu city, stands as a significant stronghold for PKR in Sabah.
In the previous two state elections (PRN), PKR, a member of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, achieved a remarkable victory in this diverse constituency.
During the 2020 state election, PKR candidate Peto Galim garnered 8,586 votes, securing a majority of 5,638, well ahead of the other 9 candidates.
On paper, PKR or PH do not face major problems in maintaining the status quo of the Inanam state seat.
However, the political scenario in Sabah has changed, and the question now is whether PKR can achieve a ‘hattrick’ victory in the 2025 state election?
Social activist and political observer in Sabah, Dr. Kanul Gindol, when contacted by Jesselton Times, opined that the Inanam state constituency will be one of the focal areas in the upcoming PRN.
Besides PKR, it is said that two opposition parties that are reportedly very interested in contesting in Inanam and are finalizing their candidates are Warisan and KDM.
Analysts are of the opinion that whoever Warisan nominates as a candidate in Inanam this time will garner backing from the majority of Chinese and Bumiputera Muslims, considering the ongoing trend of transitioning from Malaya parties to local parties that is currently taking hold in Sabah.
Kanul recognised that the journey for the Inanam assemblyman, Peto, to defend his seat is quite challenging.
“During the 2020 state election, the PKR candidate secured victories in all Chinese areas of Inanam, and even though he faced a significant defeat in the Kadazandusun region against PBS at that time, Peto still managed to win with a majority of 5,638 votes.
“Nevertheless, the circumstances are shifting rapidly this time around.”
He added, “In politics, anything is possible. For instance, the split in votes between KDM and Warisan could lead to a third party like PKR emerging victorious,” he stated.
Asked about the possibility of Warisan fielding one of its activist friends, Daniel John Jambun, as a Warisan candidate in Inanam, Dr. Kanul said he could not answer on behalf of Daniel but knew it was not impossible if it was Warisan’s decision.
“Even though I am quite close friends with Daniel, I have never heard so far that Warisan will nominate him as a candidate in Inanam.” I myself have never heard Daniel wanting to run for the Warisan ticket in Inanam.
“Indeed, he is very active with the grassroots in Inanam, as far as I know.” If Warisan chooses Daniel as a candidate, in my opinion, if that is his duty, I think he is ready to help.
“I myself am not privy to their positions, I am just busy with the ‘political literacy’ program that I oversee,” said Dr. Kanul.
While mentioning that he himself has heard several names being mentioned as potential candidates in Inanam, besides Warisan, also from KDM, even GRS or PBS.
One of the names mentioned by observers is the former PKR Inanam assemblyman, Datuk Dr Roland Chia, who is now the Political Secretary to the Chief Minister and also a senior leader of PGRS Inanam.
Roland is said to be being pressured by his supporters to contest as an Independent in Inanam if PKR continues to field candidates in Inanam.
Two names that are often mentioned as potential KDM candidates in Inanam are the party’s Secretary-General, Willie Jude, and the KDM Inanam coordinator, George Guntarik.
Recent information indicates that KDM has been gaining popularity among the voters in Inanam.
