KOTA BELUD: The Tempasuk state constituency is poised to become one of the most challenging arenas in the 17th General Election, with at least five political parties expressing their intention to nominate candidates for the position.
This indicates that the current state assemblyman, Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari, will face a significant challenge in securing victory in the Tempasuk constituency during the forthcoming state election.
In addition to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), other prominent parties reportedly considering candidates for this seat include Barisan Nasional (BN), Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), Warisan, and Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Among the potential candidates being touted for the Tempasuk contest are Mohd Arshad from GRS, Dato Baharul Sawi representing BN, KDM Tempasuk Chief Coordinator John Samud or Dr Rimin Maun, and State PKR Chief Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud who is also being mentioned to stand in Darau, Sepanggar.
Warisan may field either veteran Datuk Hanjan Samit or a young local leader Khidir Lamsil.
Social activist and political analyst Dr Gundohing Kanul Gindol noted that all the candidates mentioned have an equal opportunity to win the seat.
“Tempasuk with 17,000 registered voters of equal or 50-50 numbers of Bajaus and Dusuns, of course with a much higher number of Muslims, offers a unique field for all parties and candidates,” said Dr Kanul when contacted by Jesselton Times today.
According to Dr Kanul who is from Kota Belud, Tempasuk only has seven polling districts with the Bajaus concentrated in the areas of Taun Gusi, Linau and Gunding while the Dusuns in Rosok, Bangkahak and Tempasuk areas.
“In Tempasuk’s dual-ethnic backgrounds, the result can tilt anyway. It could be Baharul, Arshad, Mustapha, Hanjan or John, if indeed they are fielded against each other,” he opined.
“It is very likely the Bajaus votes will also be split equally among the Bajau candidates, leaving the large Dusun voters as deciders,” he said explaining that whoever a Bajau candidate and gets the most Dusun votes will likely clinch victory.
According to Dr Kanul, on the contrary, a Dusun candidate, say from PKDM, will very likely get about half of the Dusun votes and will then depend on how much he gets Bajau’s votes.
“Last time in 2020, incumbent Arshad, currently with GRS, won on Umno/BN ticket bagging 4,040 votes with a big majority of 1,685 defeating his then closest rival independent Musbah Jamli who got 2,335 votes.
Musbah has since rejoined Arshad in GRS. Mustapha of PKR in 2020 only got 1,852 votes.
“Baharul is a former political secretary to Datuk Salleh Said, is a fresh face and is popular with Umno voters in Tempasuk especially the youngsters. If fielded he will give fresh hope to BN supporters who had since cried betrayed by Arshad.
“While this is more of a family friendly matches among them, intense campaigning will surely see light in Tempasuk kampungs,” he said adding drinking sessions, personal touches beside the normal ceramahs are set to take centre stage.
“Last time when i was involved in the Tempasuk fray, i saw with my own eyes every night foods and beers were ferried to Dusun kampungs where many people had nice political banters until late,” he said expecting such activities would again make kampungs campaigning ‘happening’ and interesting.
At the 2020 election Dr Kanul stood in Tempasuk as Parti Gagasan (Gagasan then still outside of GRS) candidate and managed to get only 57 votes and lost his deposit.
There were two other candidates from Usno and PCS then but they too lost their deposits.
According to him, incumbent assemblyman is on the defensive mood lately, but he is not known for giving up easily.
“I am sure the friendly Arshad is also as popular as Baharul… the only thing is Baharul is a newcomer full of potentialities,” he said adding that a new leader is always a welcome breath of fresh air in a saturated and toxic landscape.
“Things will get clearer after the nomination. There could be change. There could be a surprise alliance, we dont know for now, but it would be interesting anyway…” said Dr Kanul adding that all parties including Warisan and PKDM are still “rising” in Tempasuk.
