TAWAU: Kalabakan Umno division has announced its intention to contest three State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats namely Tanjung Batu, Kukusan, and Sebatik, all of which are under the Kalabakan parliamentary constituency in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election.
The division, which may contest under the Barisan Nasional (BN) – Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, expressed confidence in its electoral prospects, citing the three constituencies as traditional party strongholds.
Kalabakan Umno division chief Samasuddin Yusop said the party had submitted a list of three potential candidates for each seat to the national leadership for consideration. Most of the nominees are described as “winnable candidates,” and the list includes a number of new faces, among them one female candidate.
“We’ve identified candidates who we believe can bring victory to the party. These are largely fresh faces with strong grassroots appeal,” Samasuddin said during a press conference on Sunday.
When asked if his own name was among the nominees, Samasuddin did not rule out the possibility and admitted to having a personal interest in contesting the Tanjung Batu seat.
Samasuddin, who also serves as Deputy Chief of the Sabah Umno Information Bureau, noted that preparations for the state polls had begun as early as last year.
He highlighted ongoing collaboration with both state and national leaders, including regular ground assessments to determine areas with over 70 percent winning potential.
He also emphasized the importance of direct voter engagement and a comprehensive campaign strategy to solidify support at the local level.
“Our focus remains on education, economic development, and the welfare of the community,” he said, adding that a decision on the Merotai seat would be left to BN’s coalition partners.
Meanwhile, Chaya Sulaiman, Deputy Chief of the Sabah Umno Women’s Movement and Head of the Kalabakan Women’s Wing, underscored the need for unity among party members to secure electoral success.
Chaya, who lost the Kukusan seat by just 10 votes in the last state election, called for stronger collaboration and greater effort across all party wings, especially in light of the growing number of young voters.
“We cannot afford to repeat the past. A close loss is painful, and I speak from experience. We need to be more united, more focused, and work harder this time,” she said.
Chaya added that regardless of the final candidate selections, party loyalty and tireless campaigning would be essential to securing victory.