Julita and Wetrom
Social Activist Dr Kanul Gindol
KOTA KINABALU : – Three decades ago, the Matunggong state constituency located in northern Sabah was home to numerous prominent political figures.
These include Datuk Mathius Majihi, Datuk Markus Majihi, Atong Magabis, Jornah Mojihim, Sarapin Magana, and Datuk Jelani Hamdan.
Currently, the Matunggong state seat is represented by Datuk Julita Mojungki.
Julita has served as the representative for the Matunggong for two terms and is the Secretary-General of the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), with expectations to defend her seat in the forthcoming state election (PRN).
However, in contrast to the political landscape two terms ago, where Julita secured an easy victory in the Matunggong state constituency, political analysts now anticipate that the incumbent will encounter significant opposition from various figures in opposition parties, particularly from Datuk Wetrom Bahanda, the Deputy President of the KDM party.
Social Activist and Political Analyst, Dr. Kanul Gindol, stated that considering the previous PRU outcomes for the Kota Marudu parliamentary constituency, where the Matunggong DUN showed significant backing for KDM, he anticipates that Wetrom is likely to run in Matunggong.
“Should this occur, I foresee a heated confrontation that will elevate the political climate of the forthcoming state election,” he remarked, adding that it would be a scenario of “if we win, we win; if we lose, we lose.”
Kanul noted that many perceive Wetrom’s influence to be on par with Julita’s in Matunggong, particularly as Wetrom and KDM are viewed as gaining momentum, while Julita and PBS are seen by many as losing ground.
The fierce rivalry between Wetrom and Julita for the Rungus Matunggong seat is undoubtedly influenced by elements such as their community service histories, affiliations with the Malaya party, religious backgrounds, and the involvement of another local party, Warisan.
“Even though the odds seem to be evenly matched for both candidates, it is not out of the question for Wetrom to pull off another unexpected victory in the Sabah state election, similar to his triumph in the Bandau state assembly and subsequently in the parliamentary election for the Kota Marudu constituency,” Dr Kanul emphasised.
He pointed out that the appeal and charisma of both Wetrom and Julita will be rigorously tested this time in Matunggong, especially as local party sentiments reach their peak, while Barisan Nasional, previously represented by PBRS, is contending with the anti-Malaya party sentiment.
In the 2020 state election, Matunggong experienced an eight-cornered contest, with three parties garnering the most votes: PBS, BN, and PKR. Julita emerged victorious with 4,369 votes, followed by Richard Kastum (BN/PBRS) with 2,859 votes, Sazalye Donol Abdullah (PKR) with 1,680 votes, Dr. Paul Porodong (Independent) with 1,069 votes, Sarapin Magana (PCS) with 843 votes, Hibin Masalin (Gagasan) with 223 votes, Joseff Emmanuel (Independent) with 51 votes, and another Independent candidate, Ronald Tampasok, with 82 votes.
In the 15th General Election of 2022, Wetrom emerged as a “giant killer” in the Kota Marudu constituency by defeating the PBS President, Datuk Dr. Maximus Ongkili, with a significant majority of 8,174 votes.
Dr. Kanul noted that Wetrom’s accomplishment is remarkable, especially considering he had only been a member of the party for a few days when he ran under the KDM emblem.
In the 2022 election, Wetrom garnered 24,318 votes, while Dr. Maximus received 16,144 votes, Jilid Kuminding @ Zainuddin obtained 5,320 votes, Sharizal Denci (Muda) got 3,225 votes, Norman Tulang (Independent) had 660 votes, and Mohd Azmi Zulkiflee (Pejuang) secured 279 votes.
Dr Kanul said that based on the previous PRU results for the Kota Marudu parliamentary area, which saw the Matunggong DUN giving strong support to KDM, he predicts that Wetrom will most likely contest in the Matunggong DUN.
“If this happens, I expect a fierce clash that will heat up the political temperature of the upcoming state election,” he said, adding that it would be a contest of “if we win, we win; if we lose, we lose.”
Kanul said many believe Wetrom’s influence rivals Julita’s in Matunggong, especially since Wetrom and KDM are considered to be on the rise, while Julita and PBS are perceived by many as on the decline.
The intense competition between Wetrom-Julita for the Rungus Matunggong seat is certainly colored by factors such as their community service records, ties with the Malaya party, religious backgrounds, and the role of another local party, Warisan.
“Although the position is like 50-50 for both potential candidates, it is not impossible for Wetrom to once again make a surprise in the Sabah state election as he did when he won the Bandau state assembly and then in the parliamentary election in the Kota Marudu constituency,” emphasized Dr. Kanul.
According to him, the aura and charisma of both Wetrom and Julita will truly be tested this time in Matunggong when local party sentiments are at their peak, while the Barisan Nasional, previously represented by PBRS, is battling the anti-Malaya party sentiment.
In the 2020 state election, Matunggong witnessed an eight-cornered contest with three parties receiving the most votes, namely PBS, BN, and PKR.
Julita won with 4,369 votes, followed by Richard Kastum (BN/PBRS) with 2,859 votes, Sazalye Donol Abdullah (PKR) with 1,680 votes, Dr. Paul Porodong (Independent) with 1,069 votes, Sarapin Magana (PCS) with 843 votes, Hibin Masalin (Gagasan) with 223 votes, Joseff Emmanuel (Independent) with 51 votes, and another Independent candidate, Ronald Tampasok, with 82 votes.
However, in the 2022 15th General Election in the Kota Marudu constituency, Wetrom became a “giant killer” by defeating the PBS President there, Datuk Dr. Maximus Ongkili, with a large majority of 8,174 votes.
According to Dr. Kanul, Wetrom’s achievement is considered extraordinary because when using the KDM emblem, he had only joined the party for a few days.
In 2022, Wetrom received 24,318 votes, Dr. Maximus 16,144, Jilid Kuminding @ Zainuddin 5,320, Sharizal Denci (Muda) 3,225, Norman Tulang (Independent) 660, and Mohd Azmi Zulkiflee (Pejuang) 279.
