KOTA KINABALU, Nov 12 — The announcement ceremony of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) candidates for the upcoming state election had several moments of visible tension and drama surrounding the replacement of incumbent Pintasan assemblyman Datuk Fairuz Renddan with veteran politician Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.
Fairuz and his supporters were seen in hall just prior to the announcement, dressed in black as opposed to the coalition’s signature white colour.
The group created a mild stir over speculation that Fairuz, who is Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah youth chief, would be dropped in favour of the 70-year-old Pandikar, the president of component party United Sabah National Organisation.
The group dispersed after several minutes due to the arrival of caretaker chief minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Later however, there were audible boos and jeers when Hajiji later announced Pandikar as the GRS candidate for the Pintasan seat.
Despite the heckling, Pandikar, a former Dewan Rakyat speaker and long-time political figure in Sabah, proceeded to the stage while raising his cane above his head.
He maintained a composed demeanour as he shook hands with Hajiji and other coalition leaders, though the reaction from the crowd underscored discontent within the grassroots over the decision.
Adding to the day’s drama was Pandikar’s wife, Puan Sri Diana Diego who was announced as the GRS candidate for the Sekong seat — a move that sparked further reaction among attendees and political observers.
Pandikar was a controversial choice as Renddan had won the seat in the 2020 state elections by a small 84 vote margin under a Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia ticket but is said to be very popular on the ground.
USNO is relatively smaller component party which had joined the GRS coalition in May 2022.
Political analysts say the decision to field both Pandikar and his wife could raise questions about candidate selection within GRS, particularly at a time when the coalition is seeking to project unity and renewal ahead of the polls.
Fairuz, a former state youth and sports minister, has yet to issue a formal statement on his exclusion, though his supporters’ reaction at the event made clear their disappointment.
The GRS leadership has defended its candidate choices as part of a broader effort to strengthen the coalition’s position in key constituencies.
However, Tuesday’s drama highlights the delicate balancing act facing Hajiji as he seeks to maintain party cohesion and voter confidence heading into the election.
