Kota Kinabalu: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is considering fielding Datuk Ruji Ubi, a former secretary-general for three federal ministries, as a potential candidate for the Merotai seat.
PKR Sabah chief Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud said: “He is on the list of potential candidates for the Merotai seat. The final decision rests with the party president after central leadership council deliberations, so we await the outcome.”Ruji, a Merotai native whose entry into PKR was announced on Sept. 27, is seen as a formidable contender.
His extensive background includes serving as sec-gen for the Home Affairs, Education, and National Unity Ministries, as well as roles as State Development Sabah (SDO) Director, Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) chief executive officer, Ministry of Defence deputy chief secretary, and a nine-year stint as Special Officer to Mustapa across various ministries.
The diverse experience positions him as a strong challenger against incumbent Sarifuddin Hatta of Parti Warisan, who has held the seat since 2018.
Mustapha also confirmed that Api-Api Assemblywoman Datuk Seri Christina Liew may get to defend her seat.
“The final decision will be made jointly by the state and central leadership,” he said.
