Mixed, KDM seats can determine Sabah government

United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) has downplayed the talks that Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) vote bank would be split and Muslim Bumiputera would be deciding the government of the day.

“While there is a lot of focus on the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) seats in the upcoming state polls, it is not the only determinant factor,” said UPKO information chief Peter J Naintin.

“Out of the 73 state seats. there are 25 Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) seats. Thats about 35% seats. Hence why there is a lot of focus on the vote bank that will decide the government of the day.

“Even the mixed seats can be deciding factor. If you add the Chinese majority seats with the KDM seats, there are 33 seats. The balance are 40 Bumiputera seats.

“Incumbents are expected to retain their seats in 18 constituencies. There are mixed seats with majority Bumiputera Muslims.

“Bengkoka in Kudat was won by Umno even though it is a majority non Muslim Bumiputera seat because there were 11 people vying for it,” said Peter who is also Libaran UPKO chief

He said this in response to response to talks that the KDM vote bank would be broken in this state election and in its place the Muslim Bumiputera votes would decide the winner of the state polls.

He also shared his thoughts on Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (PKAN) second innings in the state polls.

“PKAN and new parties that contest in this election would lose their deposits. If you don’t go and work in your constituency, you would lose.”

As for UPKO’s own campaign, it is hoping to contest a number of seats including the Gum Gum state seat.

Currently the party is the incumbent in Kadamaian.

It is the sole Sabah based component in the Pakatan Harapan coalition.