TAWAU: A total of 23 candidates have been confirmed to contest three state seats under the Tawau parliamentary area in the 17th Sabah State Election, according to Returning Officer Mohd Shoffian Mohd Said.
Incumbents Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan of GRS in Apas and Justin Wong Yung Bin of Warisan in Sri Tanjong will again defend their seats.
Balung sees the largest field with an 11-way fight, featuring 10 new faces and newcomer Syed Ahmad Syed Abas stepping in after incumbent Datuk Hamild Awang chose not to recontest.
In Apas, Nizam faces five challengers, including two familiar political names, Lim Ting Khai of PN and Warisan’s Sarman Amat Simito, alongside three other contenders from PPRS, PIS and BN.
Sri Tanjong’s Justin faces a crowded six-corner contest involving PH, STAR, PKDM, PIS and an independent candidate, while nomination day proceeded smoothly with firm police control and separated supporter groups.
