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KOTA KINABALU: Eleven of the 15 assemblymen who defected from Warisan Plus in July will defend their seats on September 26.
All 15 had crossed the field to support former chief minister Musa Aman in a failed attempt to form a new government before the acting chief minister, Shafie Apdal, dissolved the state assembly, triggering snap elections.
Six are running as independents, three under the Perikatan Nasional ballot and two as Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates.
The other four are not disputed.
Political analyst Tony Paridi Bagang said this would be a litmus test of his ability to achieve victory, especially if it involves voters who have questioned his defection.
“This time they face stiff competition. They owe people a justification for their actions, ”he told FMT.
“The way they explain their decision to change support could be a way of convincing people. Their report cards on their performance as elected representatives could also help in addition to the personality factor. “
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Vice Dean Arnold Puyok said people often vote for independent candidates who have a strong track record and personal ties to the electorate.
The six defending their seats as independents are Anita Baranting (Tandek), Kenny Chua (Inanam), Saddi Abdul Rahman (Sukau), Musbah Jamli (Tampasuk), Masiung Banah (Kuamut) and Abdul Rahman Kongkawang (Labuk).
Abdul Muis Picho (Sebatik), Abidin Madingkir (Paginatan) and Limus Jury (Kuala Penyu), are competing under the PN ticket, and James Ratib (Sugut) and Jamawi Jaafar (Kemabong) under the BN flag.
The four left out of the polls are Hamisa Samat (Tanjung Batu), Osman Jamal (Balung) and nominees Ronnie Loh Ee Eng and Jaffari Walliam.
Upko leaders will also face their first election after the party withdrew from BN to support Warisan following the 2018 general election.
Upko president Wilfred Madius Tangau is trying to seize Kiulu’s rural headquarters from PBS chief information officer Joniston Bangkuai, once a close ally of BN, in a six-way battle.
Upko Vice President Ewon Benedick defends his Kadamaian seat against five other contenders.
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