Sabah State Election: Political Arena ‘Explodes’ with 596 Candidates, Tulid Sees Record 14-Way Contest

KOTA KINABALU, El Sky News – Sabah’s 17th State Election (PRN) officially set a new record today as the nomination process concluded with an unprecedented 596 candidates cleared to contest 73 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats, promising the fiercest political battle in the state’s history.

The near-600-strong candidate pool underscores both the fragmentation and openness of Sabah’s dynamic political landscape. DUN contests are no longer limited to one-on-one matchups; multi-cornered fights now dominate, forcing parties and candidates to work harder to secure voter support.

Tulid DUN Records the ‘Hottest’ Race

The spotlight falls on the Tulid DUN seat, which has drawn a record 14-way contest. Analysts predict that vote-splitting will be extreme, meaning the winning candidate may secure victory with only a small percentage of total votes, a sharp contrast to previous elections.

Other notable multi-cornered contests include:

• DUN Karambunai: 11-way contest
• DUN Pintasan: 11-way contest

Even political heavyweights face stiff competition. Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin will contend in a six-way fight in the Lamag DUN, demonstrating that no seat is considered ‘safe’ for established leaders.

Independent Candidates Stir the Pot

The surge of independent candidates has further intensified the election atmosphere. Many independents are reportedly members of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component parties who were dissatisfied after being denied party nominations.

In response, Chief Minister and GRS Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor issued a stern warning, stating that strict disciplinary action—including automatic expulsion—will be taken against component party members who defy party directives by contesting as independents. The move aims to maintain party discipline and safeguard cohesion within the ruling coalition.

Conclusion: Sabah’s Democracy Put to the Test

With a 14-day campaign period commencing today, the 17th Sabah State Election represents a major test of the state’s political maturity. Sabah voters now hold the key to selecting their representatives from a crowded field, shaping the direction of state governance and development for the next five years.