DR Maximus Ongkili is eyeing the Tambunan state and Keningau parliamentary seats as he readies himself to take on the role of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) chief.

The PBS acting president has indicated that he may contest the Tambunan state seat after having been a two-term MP for Kota Marudu.

Tambunan, a PBS stronghold, is where the party’s outgoing leader and founder, Joseph Pairin Kitingan, has been undefeated as assemblyman since 1976, during the Berjaya era.

Pairin, 72, also began winning the Keningau parliamentary seat in 1986.

The state’s longest-serving assemblyman had, in November last year, expressed his intention to retire from politics, and passed the role of acting president to Ongkili.

“I think I might stand in Tambunan, but then again, those in my constituency (Kota Marudu) still want me. We will continue to discuss the matter,” said Ongkili.

“I have been an MP for two terms. Perhaps, it’s time for me to stand down and make way for fresh blood.”

Yesterday, he told reporters at PBS’ Christmas open house that the party was almost done selecting its candidates, and that it would field both old and new faces.

However, there is talk that Ongkili might defend his parliamentary seat to make way for PBS’ Tambunan chief, Daniel Kinsik.

Previously, former PBS Youth chief Jake Nointin, who is also Liawan chief, had been tipped to stand in Keningau.

However, he resigned from PBS to join Parti Warisan Sabah on September 22.

Residents in Keningau say Ongkili faces stiff competition from Sabah Solidariti Tanah Airku’s Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is Pairin’s younger brother.

It has been rumoured that Jeffrey will stand in Tambunan and Keningau, leaving his Bingkor state seat open to a new face.

“It is not easy for Ongkili to win both seats, as the Kitingan family is highly respected there,” said farm owner Khairy Abdullah.

Ongkili said PBS would interview its candidates during the party’s retreat next month, in preparation for the 14th general election.

However, he said, the likelihood of him contesting both seats depended on the party’s leadership.

“The president (Pairin) has stated that there’s a 99% chance that he will not stand in GE14, but I’m leaving the 1% open for him to make his decision.

“We never know. He could change his mind.”

PBS has been given 13 state and five parliamentary seats, and will fight to recapture six state seats, namely Matunggong, Inanam, Api-Api, Sri Tanjong, Tamparuli and Kadamaian, and one parliamentary seat, Kota Kinabalu. – December 26, 2017.