MEMBAKUT: Membakut will a nine-cornered contest, with incumbent Datuk Ariffin Arif (GRS), who has served for five terms, facing challengers Ruslan Dulamit (BN) and Mohd Said (Warisan), both newcomers.
Other contenders include Adrian Lajim (StarSabah), and Rowindy Lawrence Odong (Upko), the only female in the race.
Candidates from newer parties—Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri, Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Impian Sabah, Parti Kebangsaan Sabah and independents — are also in the race.
BN candidate Rosman vowed to reclaim the seat, previously held by Umno, citing strong support from the local electorate, especially youths.
In Bongawan, it is a nine-cornered fight as well. Incumbent Dr Daud Yusuf (Warisan) will face stiff competition from Datuk Mohammad Alamin (BN), former Bongawan MP defeated in 14th General Election, and Tan Sri Anifah Aman (GRS), a former Kimanis MP making a second attempt after losing to Dr Daud in 2020.
