KDM vice-president Dr Gaim James Lunkapis (center), giving a speech at the Santai Bersama KDM Program in Tamparuli.
TUARAN: The Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) is considering putting forward a former associate professor to run in the Tamparuli state constituency, a PBS stronghold, according to a party insider.
The source did not provide specific details, but the party hopes he can pull off a surprise win in Tamparuli, which has been a PBS stronghold since 1985 and is seen as “virtually impossible” to conquer.
Since 1985, Tamparuli has consistently been a bastion for PBS, with the exception of the 2013 state election when the local party, under the leadership of Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, was defeated by former UPKO deputy president Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing, who ran on a PKR ticket.
In the 2020 state election, the incumbent Datuk Jahid Jahim successfully held onto the seat, achieving a significant majority of 3,517 votes.
Jahid garnered a total of 6,843 votes, surpassing his closest competitor, Alius Sipil of PKR.
Tamparuli KDM has commenced its election preparations by hosting the Program Santai Bersama KDM last Sunday, as it gears up to nominate a candidate for the Tamparuli state constituency.
During the gathering, KDM’s vice president, Dr. Gaim James Lunkapis, aimed to energise supporters in Tamparuli, emphasising that the people of Sabah are eager for change.
“They are looking for solutions to critical issues such as water and electricity supply, as well as basic infrastructure improvements.
“However, as we always remind, if you desire change, you must cast your vote for it,” he stated.
KDM vice president Dr. Oswald Aisat was also in attendance.
Dr. Gaim reaffirmed KDM’s dedication to realising the goals outlined in the party’s manifesto, of which nine commitments have been announced to date.
Among the latest pledges are financial assistance of RM300 for six months to new graduates and a one-time payment of RM500 annually for single mothers.