VOTERS SURPRISED BY 14-CANDIDATE RACE IN TULID, READY TO DECIDE

By Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman

PENSIANGAN, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The Tulid state seat has emerged as one of the most closely watched constituencies in the 17th Sabah state election, drawing attention with its rare 14-candidate contest, a situation that has surprised many voters in the interior constituency.

Despite the unusually long ballot, most voters interviewed said they are prepared to make their choice when polling opens on Nov 29, although they acknowledged the number of candidates could be confusing.

For 21-year-old university student Izoden Jamsin, the crowded race is both surprising and challenging for first-time voters like him.

“I was really shocked because this is the first time 14 candidates are contesting in a relatively small state constituency in Sabah. It is very confusing, but as voters, we have to research the candidates carefully. We need to be smart youth to choose a bright future,” he told Bernama.

He also expressed hope that the winning candidate would fulfil their responsibilities and promises seriously.

Maria Jinulis, 61, a seasoned voter, said she had never seen so many candidates contest a single state constituency before, adding that she was surprised but confident voters could still make a decision.

Rufinah Pengeran, Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate, described the multi-cornered contest as unique but expressed confidence that Tulid voters are politically mature.

“I see this as a friendly competition because our opponents are also our colleagues in the area. We take a positive approach and compete healthily and democratically,” she said.

On her campaign so far, Rufinah, contesting for the first time, said voter response has been increasingly positive, particularly after experiencing the benefits of the MADANI government’s initiatives such as the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA).

Polling for the 17th Sabah state election, which involves 73 state seats, is set for Nov 29, with early voting held on Nov 25.

For the latest on the state polls, visit Bernama microsite at https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/.

-- BERNAMA

-- BERNAMA