BARISAN Nasional (BN) has confirmed that it will contest the Pintasan state seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election.

Sabah BN chairman Bung Moktar Radin said all individuals shortlisted by the party were qualified, but the final choice would be based on winnability and public acceptance.

“All proposed candidates have their own strengths, but we will select the best — someone who can win and truly represent the people’s voice. I urge all BN machinery to remain united and avoid internal division,” he said during an event in Kampung Nanamun, Kota Belud, last night.

BN’s announcement sets the stage for a likely three-cornered or multi-party contest, potentially involving its coalition partner, Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Just days earlier, Amanah, a component of Sabah PH, announced Mohd Julpikar Ab Mijan as its candidate for the Pintasan seat.

Meanwhile, United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has also expressed his intention to make a political comeback by contesting in Pintasan.

The incumbent assemblyman for Pintasan is Datuk Fairuz Renddan from Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan). Both Usno and Gagasan are component parties of the Gagasan Rakyat Sabah coalition.

In addition, Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) has named Datuk Almudin Kaida as its candidate for the same seat.