KOTA MARUDU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Wanita Chief Datuk Redonah Bahanda said if chosen as a candidate in the coming 17th State Election, it will mark her first time contesting in an election.
It would also be reminiscent of Sabah politics where family members are known to have held key positions through politics, some for decades and some even representing opposing political parties.
They include the Kitingans, Keruaks, Lasimbangs, Mojuntins and Amans to name a few. In some cases, elected representatives within the same family have also held ministerial posts at both the state and federal level.
If she wins, Redonah, who is Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, would have for company brothers Kudat MP Datuk Verdon Bahanda (Independent) and Kota Marudu MP Datuk Wetrom Bahanda (Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat).
Provided her siblings also win their respective seats, it would effectively mean that a single family represents all the people in a northern region, which is also identified as one of Sabah’s poorest.
Despite differing political affiliations, she said her siblings remain close and continue their tradition of gathering during festive occasions.
Redonah said she has been involved in political work since 2002 and previously lacked the confidence to run, even though twice offered the opportunity by the former Wanita chief.
"This time is different,” she said, She said during a Gagasan Rakyat Bandau Wanita breaking-of-fast event, recently. “I no longer feel hesitant about taking on this role.”
She added that political strategy requires careful consideration of multiple factors, including the candidate’s readiness, research, campaign approach, and suitability for the constituency.
She urged the Wanita wing to strengthen their preparations for the election.
The party is currently updating its machinery and voter outreach efforts, aiming to complete these tasks before May.
One of their key initiatives, the “Ziarah Sayang” programme, involves regular house-to-house visits to maintain voter engagement.
Redonah encouraged the party’s Wanita wing to promote compassionate politics, noting that even political rivals can become allies through sincerity and goodwill.
