TAN Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, former Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat and President of Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Sabah Bersatu (USNO), is facing an eleven-cornered contest in the Pintasan state seat as Sabah’s 17th State Election (PRN17) shapes up to be one of the most crowded in the state’s history.
Pandikar, contesting under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), is challenged by Barisan Nasional’s Tadzul Radim, Awang Salleh Makmud of Perikatan Nasional, Raplin Samat of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), and Abdullah Otong of Warisan.
Also in the fray are Datuk Almudin Kaida representing Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), Lomog Rudin @ Efejus Rudin of Parti Impian Sabah (PIS), independents Mohd Rizal Saiman, Syarif Mohd Shukree Danchingan and Tajuddin Padis, as well as incumbent Datuk Fairuz Renddan, who is defending the seat as an Independent after being dropped by GRS.
In Tempasuk, incumbent Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari of GRS faces a seven-way contest against John Samud (KDM), Dr Rimin Manun (Parti Gemilang Anak Sabah or GAS), Azuwan Marjan @ Norjan (BN), Timuti Majitol (PIS), Mohd Khidir Lamsil (Warisan) and Walter Mark Mukis (STAR).
Over in Usukan, former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Salleh Said Keruak, representing BN and serving as UMNO Sabah Treasurer, is defending the seat in a six-cornered fight. His challengers are Jaefris Muadis (PIS), Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Warisan), Ajun Meliyon (Independent), Datuk Japlin Akim (GRS) and Mohd Lin Harun (STAR).
UPKO President Datuk Ewon Benedick is also drawing attention with an eight-cornered contest in Kadamaian. He is up against Norman Simon (Warisan), Judin Tingih (Parti Bangsa Malaysia), Daibi Mandadi (PIS), James Muyau (GRS), Davylandon Rubbin (STAR), Josley Taising (KDM) and Priskila Akwila Sinem from Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (Anak Negeri).
The full list of PRN17 candidates was announced today by Peter Jiton, the Returning Officer at the Tun Said Keruak Community Hall nomination centre. - November 15, 2025
