Uphill battle likely for ‘giant killer’ Jeffrey Kitingan

TAMBUNAN: He is known as a ‘giant killer’ and a kingmaker for defeating his community’s paramount leader and then tilting the scale in favour of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 2018 general election.

But Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, a Harvard alumni, is aware that the tables can still be turned against him if he treats the Sabah election lightly.

In 2018, Jeffrey had done the impossible – unseated his elder brother Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is also the Huguan Siou (paramount leader) of the Kadazandusun, in his own stronghold of Tambunan.

He went on to help BN wrest power by taking his party, the State Reform Party, into the coalition. Both BN and Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) were tied at 29 seats each in the 60-seat state assembly after the votes were counted.

The BN government eventually fell when six of its assemblymen switched sides to help Warisan gain power in Sabah.

For Jeffrey, things would be quite different this time around. He now has to contend with not only Warisan but also allies who are gunning for the same seat, according to Bernama.

Tambunan is one of 17 seats that will see “friendly contests” among BN and its allies in Perikatan Nasional (PN).

Among the PN candidates in the fray are Sylvernus Bruno of Parti Bersatu Sabah, Damian Richard Marcus Podtung (Parti Cinta Sabah) and Nordin Jaini @ Zaini (Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah).

Warisan Plus is fielding Datuk Dr Laurentius Nayan Ambu of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation. There is also an independent candidate – singer Jimmy Palikat. Known for his hit song Anak Kampung, he said being an entertainer has helped him get the attention ov voters. ““I don’t think about winning or losing. I just want to help the people.”

Despite the challenge from his allies, Jeffrey is upbeat about his chances. “The warm response and strong support are obvious. It’s a good sign,” he said.

Laurentius is hoping to become a giant killer himself. “Throughout the campaign, the reactions of voters have been good. We are gaining momentum.”