GE13: Dompok stays put in Penampang

PENAMPANG: United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Orgnisation (Upko) President Tan Sri Bernard Dompok will defend his Penampang parliamentary seat. A chef and a businessman are the BN component party's only two new faces while a third is someone who had already served as an Assemblyman.

Dompok said he decided to defend the Penampang seat to provide continuity for his political struggle to serve Sabahans, particularly the constituents in Penampang, the majority of whom are Kadazandusuns.

"The candidates to be fielded were decided by the Barisan Nasional leadership.

However, it does not mean candidates who were not picked have not been performing.

"We want to form a formidable team to face the challenge from the opposition in this crucial election," the Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister told a media conference at Upko headquarters.

Keningau Upko division youth chief Kennedy Jie John @ Kenn, 37, replaces Datuk Justin Guka for the Bingkor state seat and businessman Limus Jury, 51, for the Kuala Penyu state seat, replacing Teo Mau Sing.

Upko Sec-Gen Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau has been nominated for the Tuaran parliamentary seat after paving the way for former Upko Deputy President Datuk Wilfred Bumburing who vied for the seat under the party's ticket in the last general election.

Former Moyog Assemblyman Datuk Philip Benedict Lasimbang replaces Datuk Donald Mojuntin who is bowing out in Philip's favour.

Former Paginatan Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Ebin has been moved to the Ranau parliamentary seat while ex-Ranau MP Datuk Siringan Gubat would contest in Paginatan.

Datuk Makin@Marcus Majigoh will defend his Putatan parliamentary seat, Nabawan state seat by Datuk Bobbey Ah Fang Suan and Kuamut by Masiung Banah.

In the 2008 general election, Upko was allotted four parliamentary seats - Penampang, Ranau, Tuaran and Putatan - and six state seats - Moyog, Bingkor, Kuala Penyu, Nabawan, Paginatan and Kuamut - and the party won all the seats.

Madius said he was not afraid to face Bumburing, who has left Upko and has since set up a non-governmental organisation, Angkatan Perubahan Sabah (APS), last year, which supports Pakatan Rakyat.

He said the people in Tuaran are wise to evaluate the BN's excellent track record, particularly in championing the people's cause, especially people living in rural areas.