Kota kinabalu: United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia expressed confidence in securing the Pintasan seat during the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election. He is facing a formidable 11-way contest but remains optimistic due to his extensive experience and long-standing ties with the local community.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pandikar Amin attributed his confidence to his over four decades of service to the people in the constituency. Reflecting on the previous election, he noted the narrow margin of his defeat, losing by only 84 votes when he contested on the USNO ticket against Datuk Fairuz, the candidate nominated by Perikatan Nasional and Barisan Nasional.

Pandikar Amin emphasized his enhanced preparedness for the current election, highlighting a strengthened election machinery intended to secure a victory for USNO. He also mentioned his role as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) deputy chairman, vowing to leverage his accumulated experience for a successful campaign.

In the meantime, Datuk Fairuz Renddan, the incumbent Pintasan Assemblyman, has confirmed his candidacy as an Independent. He announced his resignation as GRS Youth chief, citing personal integrity and a commitment to the aspirations of Sabah’s youth as motivations for his decision.

The Pintasan seat will witness an 11-cornered contest, with candidates including Awang Salleh Makmud of Perikatan Nasional (PN), Syarif Mohd Shukree Danchingan (Independent), Raplin Samat (Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku – STAR), Abdullah Otong (WARISAN), Tajuddin Padis (Independent), Datuk Almudin Kaida (Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat – KDM), Tadzul Radim (Barisan Nasional – BN), Mohd Rizal Saiman (Independent), and Lomog Rudin @ Efejus Rudin (Parti Impian Sabah – PIS).

The polling for the 17th Sabah State Elections, which includes 73 seats, is scheduled for November 29, with early voting set to take place on November 25.