IN an unexpected turn of events, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for the Sungai Manila state seat, Hazem Mubarak Tun Musa, received a significant boost when a senior Barisan Nasional (BN) divisional head declared his support for the coalition during a campaign visit on Thursday morning.
Hazem, who was conducting door-to-door campaigning in Kampung Luboh, was approached by Hassan Kibing, the BN Luboh polling district chief, who informed him of his decision to leave BN and join GRS.
“In this unplanned meeting, Hassan expressed his intention to leave BN and join GRS. We welcomed his decision and support,” Hazem said in a statement on Thursday.
The move marks a notable expansion of backing for Hazem, who is contesting as candidate number six in the six-way race for the Sungai Manila seat.
It follows an earlier defection of 50 former Warisan members who switched allegiance to GRS.
The contest in DUN Sungai Manila has drawn six candidates: Hazem Mubarak (GRS), Zaini Tiksun (BN), Yusri Abu (Perikatan Nasional – PN), Sittinara (Parti Warisan), Irian Nanang (Parti Impian Sabah) and Faizal Wahab (Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah – PPRS), making it one of the most closely watched races in the upcoming state election. - November 20, 2025
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