Kota kinabalu: The first day of campaigning for the 17th Sabah state election commenced with residents of Kota Kinabalu witnessing a sea of flags enveloping their city. The vibrant display marks the beginning of a highly anticipated electoral season.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, checks around the city, which encompasses three state seats - Luyang, Likas, and Api-Api - revealed a plethora of flags from various political parties lining the streets, roundabouts, and pedestrian bridges. This visual saturation was complemented by posters and buntings of candidates at road junctions and private premises, indicating the diligent efforts of campaigning teams and volunteers.

The flags of Pakatan Harapan (PH), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Parti Warisan (Warisan), and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) were prominently displayed, competing for the attention of potential voters along key routes such as Jalan KK By Pass, Jalan Kemajuan, and Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens. PH and GRS flags were also visible along Jalan Lintas towards Inanam, while Barisan Nasional flags were strategically placed on roads extending from Lok Kawi, Putatan to Kota Kinabalu.

Notably absent this election are the PKR and DAP flags, as candidates from these parties will be contesting under the PH logo. Hassim Sulaiman, a logistics staffer for Api-Api PH, shared that they plan to erect approximately 6,000 flags in the coming days before shifting focus to distributing flyers at local markets next week. "Our five-man team started putting up flags since 7 am and will carry on late into the night. We need to get it done as soon as possible, then we will help distribute campaign flyers at local markets," he stated when approached in front of the Employees' Provident Fund (KWSP) building.

Sabah voters are scheduled to cast their ballots on November 29, with early voting set for November 25.