INANAM: A son and daughter of former Sepanggar Member of Parliament Datuk Eric Majimbun are among those involved in the 13-cornered fight for the Inanam seat.
Edna Jessica Majimbun, 47, contesting under the Warisan banner, faces brother Shone Majimbun, 45, who is running as an Independent under the Black Wave ticket.
Edna, who appeared in traditional attire, hopes to become the first assemblywoman for Inanam.
On competing against her brother, Edna said it was never an issue as politics is a democratic space where everyone carries their own ideology.
“At home, we actually don’t discuss politics… never, even with the family. My parents remain neutral. I also don’t know who they will vote for,” said Sabah’s first female Native District Chief.
Shone said although he and Edna share the same vision of fighting for the people’s rights, they do so on different platforms.
He said should they win in PRN17, they would be part of the government but would remain independent until their objectives are met.
The packed race also features incumbent Datuk Peto Galim and former assemblyman Datuk Kenny Chua, 55, representing Star.
Peto said the high number of candidates makes the contest more interesting and healthy for democracy.
Chua said if he wins, he intends to focus on improving village infrastructure, especially proper roads in rural areas.
Adding to the intrigue is former Inanam PGRS Division Chief Datuk Dr Roland Chia Ming Shen who quit his party and decided to contest as an Independent.
Dr Chia, also a former Inanam assemblyman, said he is standing as an Independent to honour the wishes of the people of Inanam and to exercise his democratic rights as a Sabahan and Malaysian.
Other contenders include Paul Anap, 64, Parti Impian Sabah (PIS), Lewis Wong, 59 (Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (PKDM), Wong Thien Fook, 66, (Upko), Martin Sibit, 59, Gemilang Anak Sabah (GAS), Gordon Lai Han Yung, 51 (Parti Bumi Kenyalang), Chia Yun Long, 62 (Perjuangan Rakyat), Joseph Linggian @ Joseph Chong, 58, Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (PKAN) and Sumali @ Marino Ahmad, 68, from Parti Rumpun Sabah (Rumpun).
Eleven are contesting under their parties, while two are independent hopefuls.
