DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook rejected accusations that his party made an abrupt choice to enter the Kemabong electoral race, which will feature three-way competition among DAP, Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah. Loke explained that preliminary arrangements with BN allocated Kemabong to DAP while Umno would compete for Liawan, though he postponed revealing the candidate while talks continued at BN's request. After discussions failed to yield a consensus, DAP moved forward with Senator Noorita Sual, whose previous service as Tenom MP established strong community connections.
The party leader emphasized that local supporters strongly urged DAP participation in Kemabong, making withdrawal unfeasible. Loke characterized the simultaneous candidacies as friendly competition that would not damage relationships among Pakatan Harapan, BN, or GRS. Gabungan Rakyat Sabah nominated vice-president Rubin Balang while BN selected Umno representative Rahmah Jan Sulaiman. DAP expanded its participation to eight constituencies compared with six victories in the previous state election.
The party leader emphasized that local supporters strongly urged DAP participation in Kemabong, making withdrawal unfeasible. Loke characterized the simultaneous candidacies as friendly competition that would not damage relationships among Pakatan Harapan, BN, or GRS. Gabungan Rakyat Sabah nominated vice-president Rubin Balang while BN selected Umno representative Rahmah Jan Sulaiman. DAP expanded its participation to eight constituencies compared with six victories in the previous state election.
