Sabah’s unpredictable polls set for tight battles

Only two senior figures, Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and former chief minister Shafie Apdal, are considered secure in their respective constituencies of Sulaman and Senallang during this unpredictable Sabah state election. Both are potential candidates for the chief minister position, though each faces multi-cornered contests. Other prominent leaders are navigating difficult races. Sabah Umno chief Bung Moktar Radin, defending his Lamag seat, won narrowly in the previous election. PBS president Dr. Joachim Gunsalam confronts challenges in Kundasang, including allegations from a mining scandal. DAP state chairman Ginger Phoong is taking a risk by contesting in Likas instead of his Luyang stronghold. Perikatan Nasional's state chief, Ronald Kiandee, faces a difficult battle in the Sugut constituency. Veteran politician Jeffrey Kitingan leads his party independently, a move that carries significant risk.