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TUARAN: The Tamparuli state constituency, synonymous with the iconic historical landmark “Jambatan Tamparuli,” is very popular throughout the country.
And in a short while, the Tamparuli state constituency which was previously a stronghold of the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), will still be the focus of many, but this time as a political battlefield.
The uncertainty regarding the potential candidates competing for the Tamparuli state seat in the forthcoming state elections (PRN) continues to be a topic of intrigue, particularly among local political analysts and observers.
Up to this point, drawing from discussions and informal conversations in coffee shops, there are predictions of an unexpected turn of events in the upcoming state elections
In addition to candidates from PBS who are representing the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), it is highly likely that other parties, including Warisan, Parti Impian Sabah (PIS), and even Barisan Nasional, will also put forward candidates in Tamparuli.
Political analysts are also forecasting an unexpected development, with a “heavyweight” candidate, a former leader of a local party, reportedly planning to enter the do-or-die political race using their own symbol, which would enhance the democratic process in the state.
Currently, among the frequently mentioned potential candidates are the sitting Datuk Jahid Jahim or a senior civil servant from the Tuaran district representing GRS, along with Gundohing Dr. Gaim James Lunkapis who is representing KDM.
So far, it remains a mystery who will be the candidate for Warisan – a local party determined to contest all 73 state assembly seats in the state election.
Social activist and political analyst Gundohing Dr. Kanul Gindol said that so far, all candidates have a chance to win, although there is a slight advantage for the ruling party that won the seat in the last state election.
So far, two parties, KDM and GRS, appear to be peaking in the public support battle in Tamparuli. Others, including Warisan and candidates like Dr. Julia Ongkili from PIS, are far behind at this time,” he said when contacted by the Jesselton Times yesterday for his views.
However, according to him, the situation will change if a “heavyweight” candidate who is being touted actually participates and uses their own symbol.
“In politics, things can change in the blink of an eye. Nothing lasts forever. It’s like a marathon race, with GRS and KDM leading the runners. They need to maintain their pace and make sure no one sprints to the finish line,” he said, adding that runners in third or fourth place could close the gap and cause an upset.
According to Dr. Kanul, in the 2020 PRN16, Jahid won comfortably with a majority of 3,517 votes, securing 6,843 votes and defeating three other candidates, but the current situation has changed.
“GRS is facing declining popularity due to many issues such as economic slowdown, rising corruption, and persistent disruptions in water and electricity supply every place.
“It appears that only KDM is experiencing a significant rise in Tamparuli, likely due to the KDM leadership having already identified their favored candidate, Dr. Lunkapis,” he remarked, noting that at least three robust parties will influence the campaign in the predominantly Kadazandusun region.
“I myself have been to Tuaran a few times recently at the invitation of friends, and I can say that the situation is quite balanced and still balancing. Whoever is in the top three candidates has a fair chance of winning in Tamparuli,” he added.
