Six defectors trying their luck in the indies

SABAH POLLS | The six incumbent Sabah assemblypersons who attempted to oust the Warisan government in July are now trying to retain their seats as independent candidates.

They are Abdul Rahman Kongkawang (Labuk), Musbah Jamli (Tempasuk), Saddi AbduL Rahman (Sukau), Lasiah Baranting @ Anita (Tandek), Masiung Banah (Kuamut) and Kenny Chua Teck Ho (Inanam).

Abdul Rahman, Musbah and Saddi won their seats in 2018 on a BN-Umno ticket, while Lasiah, Masiung and Chua won on BN-PBS, BN-Upko and PKR tickets respectively.

However, these six shouldn't be written off as guaranteed losers. Unlike in Peninsular Malaysia, history has shown that it is possible, although rare, for independents to win elections in Sabah.

In July, these six assemblypersons were among 14 state lawmakers who joined a group of opposition lawmakers led by Musa Aman and Jeffrey Kitingan who attempted to oust the Warisan-led state government.

The group of 33 claimed to have the numbers to form a new government, but the plot was scuttled because then chief minister Mohd Shafie Apdal succeeded in convincing governor Juhar Mahiruddin to dissolve the legislative assembly.

The above mentioned six were not as lucky as Jamawi Ja'afar (Kemabong) and James Ratib (Sugut) who were forgiven for defecting after the 2018 elections. The duo was re-admitted to Umno and allowed to defend their seats.

Two other incumbents who defected from Umno after 2018 - Abd Muis Picho (Sebatik) and Limus Jury (Kuala Penyu) - were picked up by Umno splinter party Bersatu and will be defending their seats.

Abidin Madingkir, who won the Paginatan seat on a BN-Upko ticket in 2018, will now be defending his seat as a PN-Star candidate.

Three incumbents who crossed the floor in July - Bolkiah Ismail (Pitas), Osman Jamal (Balung) and Hamisa Samat (Tanjong Batu) - had hung up their boots and stayed out of this election. - Mkini