By JAMES LEONG
SUKAU: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition is poised to deliver a significant political surprise in the traditional Barisan Nasional (BN) strongholds of Lamag and Sukau, according to a senior party leader.
Datuk Masiung Banah, vice president of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, expressed strong optimism that a wave of youth support is signalling a demand for change in both constituencies for the 17th Sabah General Election (PRN-17).
“This time in Lamag, we are trying to drive a new and faster vehicle, leaving behind the old, worn-out car that has suffered several damages. As for Sukau, we are confident there will be a surprise for the new while we rest the old leader,” Masiung told reporters on Sunday.
He made these remarks after a campaign event to support GRS candidates Juhainizamshah Johari in Lamag and Datuk Juhari Janan in Sukau.
Masiung, known for his “Tatap Kalaga” slogan, highlighted the unexpected and drastic surge of support from the grassroots, particularly among young voters.
“The winds of political change in Lamag and Sukau show a convincing momentum,” he stated, adding that this youth-led movement has the potential to bring positive development to the areas.
While acknowledging that the incumbents for the Lamag and Sukau seats are senior Sabah Umno leaders, Masiung emphasized that victory is ultimately determined by the voters.
“Analysis on paper is not an accurate measure,” he remarked, “but it is not impossible for the opposite to occur.”
His comments set the stage for a highly-competitive battle in these two seats, suggesting that GRS is confident in its ground game to unseat the established BN representatives.
