KOTA KINABALU: Despite being viewed as a ‘greenhorn politician’, Priscella Peter’s candidacy is not to be underestimated, especially with a potential candidate from the Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) party aiming to run in the Melalap state constituency in Tenom.
At just 27 years old, the acting president of KDM is one of the youthful contenders participating in the forthcoming 17th Sabah State General Election (PRU Sabah), tasked with safeguarding the seat that was previously held by his father, Datuk Peter Anthony.
Priscella is a graduate of Curtin University Australia with a master’s degree in accounting, and she first became involved in politics in 2023 when she was elected as one of the KDM Vise Presidents.
Priscella’s political career began to flourish after her father’s imprisonment, when the KDM Supreme Leadership unanimously supported her election as the party’s acting president.
Not only did Priscella act as president, but she also continued her father’s duties in Melalap, particularly in carrying out charitable work.
Priscella’s name in politics may not be as well-known as other candidates running in Melalap, but she is expected to be among the top choices to win the Melalap state seat.
The review found that his presence in Melalap was always well-received, perhaps due to the lingering aura of his father in the area.
However, the challenge is not easy as he is expected to be opposed by experienced candidates, especially from the ‘giant’ parties.
Among the names mentioned as potential candidates in Melalap is Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, who is rumored to be on loan to PKR to contest there using the Pakatan Harapan logo.
Jamawi is currently the Head of the Sabah People’s Idea Party (Gagasan Rakyat) Division.
Additionally, another leader from Upko, Junik B Bajit, is also eyeing a run in Melalap.
Other parties expected to also contest are Warisan, STAR, as well as several smaller parties and independent candidates (black wave).
In the last state election (PRN16), Peter retained the Melalap state seat by defeating five other candidates, including Jamawi.
Peter, who was then contesting under the Warisan ticket, received 5,245 votes, while his closest competitor, Jamawi, obtained 3,526 votes.
Source-Info X
