Salleh in four-cornered contest or Kota Belud





KOTA BELUD, April 28 (Bernama) -- Communications and Multimedia Minister and UMNO treasurer Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak faces a four-cornered contest for the Kota Belud parliamentary seat in the 14th general election on May 9.

He faces a challenge from Warisan women's chief Isnarasiah Munirah Majilis, Ag Laiman Ikin of PAS and Aimaduddin Mion of Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah.

Returning Officer Abdul Gari Itam announced the names of the candidates at the Tun Said community hall here.

Speaking to reporters later, Salleh said the smooth nomination process reflected maturity in the country's democratic system.

He also said that the BN would conduct a clean campaign in the run-up to polling on May 9 and explain to the voters the importance of continuing to support the BN to maintain stability, harmony and peace as well as development in the state and country.

Salleh had arrived at the nomination centre at about 8.30 am, accompanied by the three BN candidates for the state seats of Usukan, Tempasuk and Kadamaian. He was the first to file his nomination papers as soon as the centre opened at 9 am.

Salleh held the Usukan seat before the dissolution of the Sabah legislative assembly.

The Kota Belud seat was last held by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and BN Strategic Communications director Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan who is now contesting the Sepanggar parliamentary seat.

BN's Japlin Akim is in a four-cornered contest for the Usukan seat, facing Abdul Bakrin Mohd Yusof of Warisan, Adzmin Awang of PAS and independent Amsor Tuah.

In Tempasuk, Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Musbah Jamil of BN is facing Mustapha Sakmud of PKR, Mustaqim Aling of PAS and Suwah Buleh of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR).

Kadamaian sees a five-cornered fight among Kota Belud UPKO chief Ewon Benedick of BN, Rubbin Guribah of STAF, Lukia Indan of PKR, Satail Majungkat of PAS and Mail Balinu of Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS).

-- BERNAMA