GRS asserts claim to Kemabong as DAP holds back on candidacy

 

Gabungan Rakyat Sabah has confirmed incumbent assemblyperson Rubin Balang as its candidate for Kemabong, staking a claim to the interior constituency about 280km from Kota Kinabalu.

This comes moments after its federal ally, DAP held back on declaring its position over the seat.

Caretaker Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, who leads GRS, announced Rubin's candidacy during the launch of the coalition’s election machinery in Kemabong today.

“With a solid machinery and full support from voters in Kemabong, InsyaAllah, Rubin Balang will win again in this election,” Hajiji said to supporters at Dataran Daerah Kecil Kemabong.

He described Rubin as a proven local leader with deep roots in the constituency.

Rubin Balang

Rubin first won the seat as an independent candidate in the 2020 state election before aligning himself with GRS.

His renomination effectively cements GRS’ control of the seat and signals the coalition’s intent to consolidate its hold in Sabah’s interior.

Coordination, not conflict

Earlier, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke told reporters that one interior seat eyed by DAP remains under discussion with coalition partners, stressing the talks are about coordination, not conflict.

He declined to name the seat, though party sources previously indicated the tussle for Kemabong, with senator and former Tenom MP Noorita Sual seen as the likely contender.

Hajiji, meanwhile, further said GRS’ campaign would focus on continuity, stability and economic progress under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development framework.

“We are not playing politics or making empty promises. We have a development agenda, while the opposition are ready to promise even the moon and the sun,” he said.

Hajiji also reiterated that the alliance between GRS and Harapan remained strong, built on cooperation at both state and federal levels.

“We are partners in government and in this election, united to ensure political stability and continued development for Sabah,” he said.

Under the current agreement, GRS is contesting 52 of Sabah’s 73 seats - clashing mostly against BN, Warisan and others - while Harapan will field candidates in 21, though some constituencies remain sensitive due to local considerations.

Nomination day is set for Nov 15, while polling is set for Nov 29. - FMT