Karambunai assemblyman Yakub Khan has brushed aside worries that his razor-thin 16-vote win in 2020 makes the seat vulnerable this time around.
The Barisan Nasional incumbent told FMT that people often overlook the bigger picture of his previous victory.
From 5000-vote deficit to narrow win
Yakub pointed out that 2020 was his first contest in Karambunai, where the opposition previously enjoyed a lead of more than 5000 votes.
“Turning that around to just 16 votes was actually a huge achievement that many fail to recognise,” he said after a day of campaigning across the constituency.
Facing ten challengers
This year, Yakub will defend the seat against ten opponents: Aliakbar Gulasan (PAS), Yunus Ibrahim (PBK), Matkri Kassim (PKS), Azman Fathil (GAS), Arshad Idris (GRS), Hates Abdul (SPP), Stephen Teo (STAR), Ahmad Jais Otong (Warisan), Saikam Salinggou (Perpaduan) and Adis Jalie (PIS).
Ground sentiment favours BN
He said feedback from voters shows growing support for Barisan Nasional, with many still fondly remembering the era of former prime minister Najib Razak.
“At my ceramah, when I asked if they missed Najib, plenty said yes. When I asked what they missed most, they answered the 1Malaysia People’s Aid,” Yakub shared.
He expressed confidence that Sabah voters will place their trust in BN again to form the next state government.
