SANDAKAN: Some 3,500 delegates, supporters and observers are expected to converge on Sandakan this weekend as Parti Warisan brings its annual general meeting (AGM) to town for the first time.
The party’s 9th AGM, scheduled for Oct 24 and 25, will feature keenly contested leadership elections, with 47 candidates vying for positions in the central leadership.
Warisan Sandakan Division Chief and Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong said preparations were underway for the two-day gathering, which would involve representatives from the party’s 26 divisions across Sabah.
He said the event would be divided between two venues, with Dewan Yu Yuan hosting the elections for the Wira, Wirawati and Wanita wings on Oct 24.
The main assembly and central leadership elections will take place at Dewan Hakka on Oct 25.
“The party has eight candidates contesting three vice-president positions, while another 39 are seeking the 20 Supreme Council seats.
“Those receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to the respective positions,” he said.
Among those defending their vice-president posts are Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong, Datuk Junz Wong and Terrance Siambun.
They will face challenges from Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman, Kota Belud MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis, Azhar Matussin, Kapayan Assemblyman Chin Tek Ming and Charles Ebbie.
However, the party’s two highest positions will remain unchanged, with President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and Deputy President Datuk Darell Leiking returned unopposed.
Contests are also expected in the women’s wings.
Incumbent Wanita Chief Norfaizah Chua @ Giak Kiang will face Jenifer Lasimbang, while Sabrina Yahya and Norsabrina Japar are competing for the Wirawati leadership.
Chong said each of the 26 party divisions would be represented by 16 voting delegates in the central leadership elections.
Apart from party members, representatives of other political parties, including Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star), have been invited to attend as observers.
He said about 1,500 people were expected at the gatherings involving the party’s wings.
Meanwhile, Chong hoped the decision to hold the AGM in Sandakan would bring benefits beyond the political gathering itself.
With thousands of visitors expected to arrive, he said local businesses, particularly food outlets and small traders, could look forward to increased customer traffic during the weekend.
“I hope it will not just be the halls that are packed. I hope restaurants and food stalls throughout Sandakan will be packed too,” he said.
The AGM will see Warisan elect its central leadership for the 2026-2029 term.