Kota Kinabalu: The just-ended 17th Sabah State Election may be the farewell song for several political has-beens, unless they believe they still have what it takes to give it another shot.
But many are expected to accept the writing on the wall that they have become irrelevant in today’s changing political expectations and demands.
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This includes those who also came close to being pushed off the cliff like Sabah Umno Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar who clung on to just 153 votes in Lamag, for decades his stronghold.
Former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak, 68, lost his bid in Usukan, former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, 70, fell in Pintasan while Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) President Tan Sri Anifah Aman, 73, was defeated in Bongawan.
Two Deputy Ministers were also shown the door, namely Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin, who contested in Tanjung Aru and Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin in Bongawan. Former Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin failed to retain Sook.
Datuk Yamani Hafez, a former Deputy Federal Finance Minister and son of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman was defeated in Sindumin.
Former federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi lost in Segama. He also lost his deposit.
As for party leaders, Sabah Perikatan Nasional Chairman Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee was unable to defend Sugut, Warisan Vice-President Terence Siambun was rejected in Moyog and Sabah DAP Chairman Phoong Jin Zhe met similar fate in Likas.
Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) President Priscella Peter lost her bid in Melalap, while the party’s celebrity candidate, singer-actor Abu Bakar Ellah, was defeated in Kuamut.
Parti Impian Sabah President Michel Alok @ Ilok was unsuccessful in Telupid, and Parti Rumpun Sabah President Datuk Dr Ismail Idris failed to secure Sebatik.
Datuk Abidin Madingkir, a former Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and a former Mayor, was defeated in Paginatan.
In Inanam, Assistant Minister Datuk Peto Galim was unseated, while Kapayan incumbent Datuk Jannie Lasimbang also lost.
Over in Elopura, Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee’s attempt to secure a state seat ended in defeat.
A total of 73 seats were contested in this election, which recorded a staggering 596 candidates across Sabah.
