PAPAR: Parti Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) Limbahau Division is gearing up to defend its seat in the coming 17th Sabah Election (PRN17) and is prepared to face any contest, including a potential challenge from the United Progressive Kinabalu Organization (Upko), which is eyeing the constituency.
Incumbent Limbahau assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim said he is confident of retaining the seat for GRS.
“It’s up to them (Upko). If they decide to contest, so be it — that’s their choice. But we in GRS are ready to defend Limbahau,” he said during the launch of the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) Limbahau election machinery at an openhall in Kg Ulu Sapat near here on Sunday.
GRS Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali officiated the event attend by over 1,000 people.
Upko president and Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick expressed interest in contesting the seat, although he said discussions would be held with GRS, PH’s political ally.
Asked whether he would again contest as GRS candidate, Juil said he would leave the decision to the party leadership.
“It’s up to the GRS chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, to decide. If I’m given the opportunity to contest again as the Limbahau candidate, I will accept it and carry out the responsibility to the best of my ability,” he said.
Juil first won the Limbahau seat under Parti Warisan during the 16th State Election (PRN16). He secured a majority of 2,523 votes in a seven-cornered contest.
He left Warisan in February 2022 to join Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (PKDM), but later shifted his support to GRS as a direct member to the coalition.
