KOTA KINABALU: The search is on for the right candidate, as voters scan their mobile phones, the media, pamphlets or listen to campaigns to make their decision before the Sabah polling day on Sept 26.
Already, key players among the 447 candidates vying for the 73 constituencies are pulling rank over lesser known aspirants with bigger resources, ground support and simply for being known, especially if they belong to more established parties.
Videos, songs, testimonials and articles, prepared well in advance, are being uploaded online via social media or broadcast over air, newspaper publications and mainstream television to their advantage.
Candidates of new, smaller and lesser known parties or even independents however are hoping there is a demand for someone new, people who can bring about change, probably with a bit of guidance from the experienced.
Parti Cinta Sabah candidate for Api-Api, Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, said many are calling for a change for Sabah to chart its own course and not be subservient to outside influences.
"PCS is indeed at a disadvantage given we are a very young party. Less than two months under new leadership," he said.
PCS is led by former Foreign minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and will be contesting in all the seats in the 16th Sabah election.
"However, we believe that there is a strong undercurrent (among the people of Sabah) for truly a local party, one that is not tainted by west Malaysian parties," said Pang.
He served two terms as the assemblyman in Merotai for Liberal Democratic Party when it was with Barisan Nasional but was replaced as a candidate in 2018. The party lost.
Pang said he agrees a state should have good relationship with the Federal government but it should chart its destiny on its own.
But as it is, the former assistant minister believes there will be a lot of legwork to get their message.
The theme of Sabah liberating itself from outside influences, has been a focal point in all the political parties campaign topics, with each claiming to be more independent than the other.
