Upko’s Ceaser BN candidate for P’pang?
A combina on of familiar and new candidates from Upko will likely be fielded in the Moyog state cons tuency, and Penampang and Putatan parliamentary cons tuencies in the 14th general elec on.
PENAMPANG: A combination of familiar and new candidates from Upko will likely be fielded to win back the Moyog state and Penampang and Putatan parliamentary seats in the 14th general election (GE14).
Upko vice president Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh could be fielded again for the Putatan seat whilst the party’s secretary general Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin might make a comeback to contest for the Moyog seat.
But a Penampang favorite, especially among the fairer gender, and PBS founder member Datuk Seri Panglima Clarence Bongkos Malakun’s second son, Ceasar Mandela Malakun, is said to be the most likely candidate for the Penampang Parliamentary seat.
“Suffice to say, Upko’s candidacy list has already been submitted to the top leadership of Barisan Nasional (BN). The list is being discussed by our president the Prime Minister and soon the announcement will be made simultaneously for all candidates,” said Mojuntin when met at the Penampang district level tablet presentation to the Education Ministry (KPM) educators ceremony at Dewan Sri Malakun, SMK Limbanak here yesterday.
“Basically, Upko members in Penampang have been encouraging some of our leaders to be with the people and highlight not only the party’s and but also their own efforts.
“I can say there are five whether in Penampang to stand as Member of Parliament or in the State Legislative Assembly,” he said.
Mojuntin confirmed that he is also in the list along with former Penampang District Officer William Sampil, among others.
“But all the potentials have already discussed, whoever that is chosen among us all, we will be united to ensure Upko and Barisan Nasional’s victory in Moyog, in Penampang and also to assist candidates in N19 Kapayan,” he said.
At the same event, 28-yearold Ceasar echoed Mojuntin’s sentiments and reiterated the party’s commitment towards a BN victory in Penampang.
“I think it is a very big recognition or a big honor if we were given the opportunity, and I think it is time that the younger generation be given the opportunity to serve the people in this capacity,” he responded when asked about his feelings if he is selected to become the Penampang Parliamentary seat candidate.
“We will cross the bridge when we get there first. I think we should wait for the announcement first,” he answered hesitantly when asked whether he would be ready to face previous Penampang MP and Parti Warisan Sabah deputy president Darell Leiking.
“I think all of us in the machinery are leaders in our own capacity but I hope whatever we are doing, we can inspire the youths to get involved and to make actual real change through the government.
“From my understanding, in the name list are all suggestions for candidates who have not stood in the election before,” he shared.
Mojuntin won the Moyog seat with 6,782 votes and a majority of 2,685 in GE12.
The seat was snatched by Terrence Siambun who won with 7,462 votes, a 1,682 majority, on the PKR ticket after Mojuntin bowed out for former Moyog assemblyman Datuk Philip Benedict Lasimbang in GE13.
Meanwhile, Leiking also took on the Penampang Parliamentary seat under the PKR ticket and won by 22,598 votes and a majority of 10,216 in GE13.
He beat Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok, who garnered 12,382 votes, and STAR’s Melania Annol, who obtained 1,119 votes.