Sabah polls: "I want to contest in Pintasan" – Pandikar Amin

KOTA KINABALU - United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) President Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia believes that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has no other choice but to field him as a candidate for the Pintasan state seat in the 17th Sabah State Election.

Citing his position as GRS Deputy President and leader of one of its component parties, Pandikar is confident the coalition’s leadership will take into account his role when deciding on the candidate for Pintasan.

The former Dewan Rakyat Speaker said he still feels capable of serving and contributing to the people, dismissing suggestions that age is a barrier and reminded everyone that aging is inevitable.

“I want to contest because I believe I still can. People say I’m old, but young people shouldn’t always criticise the elderly because one day, you’ll grow old too. So, seriously, yes, I want to contest in Pintasan,” he said after launching his book “Pandikar Amin: Wira Dikorbankan Bangsanya” in Kota Kinabalu on Sunday.

He made the remarks when asked to elaborate on his earlier statement expressing his desire to contest the Pintasan seat in the coming state election.

On the GRS seat allocation discussions, Pandikar admitted that the process has not been finalised.

“The seat allocation discussions are not finished yet because there’s been no announcement on who will contest and which party will contest where. Negotiations are still ongoing,” he said.

Pandikar also stressed that despite many individuals lobbying to contest in Pintasan including the incumbent, GRS has no other option but to give Usno the opportunity.

“Before the final decision is made, it’s normal for many to lobby. But once the decision is finalised, I believe GRS has no other choice.

“The current incumbent, who is the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Youth Chief also wants to defend the seat and I agree, he has done well.

“However, the GRS leadership, of which I am one of the deputy presidents, must also consider that leaders from component parties should be given the chance to contest. Otherwise, what’s the point of having a coalition like GRS?” he added.

When asked how many seats Usno has requested in the seat allocation talks, Pandikar declined to reveal details, saying it would be announced later by the GRS Chairman.

Nonetheless, he confirmed that Usno will contest in the Sabah State Election regardless of the number of seats allocated.

Asked if he would be upset should he not be nominated, Pandikar dismissed the notion, saying he has experienced various situations in politics, including times when he did not contest but was still entrusted with important roles in government.

“To be a politician, one must have substance. As I said earlier, like chilli, it may be small, but when you bite it, you’ll feel the heat. So, don’t bite Pandikar Amin carelessly if you don’t want to feel the spiciness,” he said.