KOTA KINABALU: Kundasang, located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, is a well-known tourist destination for visitors both domestically and internationally.
Just mentioning the Kinabalu National Park evokes thoughts of the stunning scenery and cool weather in Kundasang.
What is particularly interesting is that in the coming months, especially leading up to the 17th state election (PRN17), DUN Kundasang is expected to gain even more popularity and attract many people from Sabah due to the anticipated ‘Sailang Round One’ clash between two figures vying for the DUN Kundasang seat.
The Acting President of PBS, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is reportedly donning the GRS jersey to defend the seat, is expected to be challenged by a newcomer in the political arena from the Democratic People’s Welfare Party (KDM).
Who is the figure being touted as the KDM candidate? He is Datuk Jeffry Mohd Ali.
During the launch of the PRN17 machinery for DUN Limbahau at the Biau Village Hall in Papar on October 14 last year, the president of KDM, Datuk Peter Anthony, stated that they had identified a candidate to contest in DUN Kundasang.
“Our candidate is a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a bank, so I believe there will be no issues for him to contest in Kundasang,” Peter was quoted as saying at the event.
Peter is also optimistic that KDM can pull off a surprise victory or capture the DUN Kundasang seat, similar to the unexpected success of defeating the then PBS president Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili in the last general election for the Kota Marudu parliamentary area.
According to media reports, if the collaboration between GRS and PH materialises, there is a possibility that only BN, Warisan, and other smaller parties or independents will contest in Kundasang.
In the 2020 PRN, Dr. Joachim won the DUN Kundasang seat with a majority of 1,422 votes.
