Sabah’s GRS Faces Backlash Over Controversial Candidate Swap in Pintasan
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has sparked controversy and tension with its candidate announcements for the upcoming state election. Incumbent Datuk Fairuz Renddan was replaced by veteran politician Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia in the Pintasan seat, drawing criticism and protests from his supporters.
The GRS leadership has defended its candidate choices, stating they aim to strengthen the coalition's position in key constituencies. However, the decision to replace Renddan, who won the seat in 2020 by a narrow margin and enjoys significant local support, has been met with controversy. Renddan's supporters, dressed in black, expressed their displeasure at the speculation of his exclusion.
The announcement event was marked by drama. When Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor revealed Pandikar as the GRS candidate for Pintasan, the crowd booed and jeered. Pandikar, a former Dewan Rakyat speaker, proceeded to the stage defiantly, raising his cane above his head despite the heckling. Adding to the drama, Pandikar's wife, Puan Sri Diana Diego, was announced as the GRS candidate for the Sekong seat, further fueling reactions.
The GRS candidate announcements have raised questions about the coalition's candidate selection process. While the leadership insists the choices are strategic, the replacement of Renddan and the fielding of Pandikar and his wife have sparked tension and controversy. Renddan's supporters have made their disappointment clear, though he has yet to issue a formal statement.
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