THE Bugaya state by-election is a seven-cornered contest among Parti Warisan, Barisan Nasional (BN), Pakatan Harapan (PH), Pejuang, Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah (PPRS) and an Independent candidate.

The candidates are Jamil Hamzah of Warisan, Abd Aziz Mohd Ibno of Umno (BN), Arastam Pandorog of PKR (PH), Mohd Hassan Abu Bakar (Pejuang), Nazmawati Walli (PBM), Karil Pg Kuraini (PPRS) and Independent candidate Zulfadzli Shi Ahmad.

The Bugaya seat fell vacant following the death of its Warisan incumbent Manis Muka Mohd Darah on November 17, 2020, but the by-election was postponed due to the proclamation of emergency to prevent the spread of Covid.

Effective October 6 this year, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah consented to lifting six ordinances and emergency proclamations which were declared in November and December 2020 to postpone the Batu Sapi and Gerik parliamentary by-elections and the Bugaya state by-election.

The Bugaya by-election will be held simultaneously with the 15th general election on November 19.

Speaking to reporters later, Aziz, who described the seven-cornered fight as normal for the state seat, said it was a reflection of the state’s flourishing democracy.

“I hope Bugaya voters will be able to choose the best candidate. If elected, I will lead BN’s efforts to create stability and prosperity here.

“I also hope that all candidates will not raise any personal or sensitive issues, but show what their parties can do for the voters,” said the Semporna Umno division deputy chief.

Meanwhile, Arastam, who is Semporna PKR division vice-chief, said that PKR and its partners in PH had outlined a solid course of action to ensure victory in the Bugaya state by-election and also the Semporna parliamentary seat in the general election. 

“We admit that it is not an easy task, especially in Semporna against Warisan president (Mohd Shafie Apdal), but we hope that the voters here will vote for change, especially for development,” he said.

Shafie is in a four-cornered fight for the Semporna parliamentary seat. He faces Arastam, Nixon Abdul Hadi of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah and Ab Razik @ Ab Rajak Ab Hamid of Pejuang.

Meanwhile, Nazmawati, who is Semporna PBM division chief, said it is time for Semporna to be led by a new face who will bring a new direction.

“With six PBM thrusts outlined and solid support from the voters, I am confident we will be able to see positive changes in Bugaya state constituency,” she said. – Bernama, November 5, 2022.