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By Jesselton Times, picked by Borneo Herald, 3-6-2025
KOTA KINABALU: Three decades ago, the Matunggong state constituency located in northern Sabah was home to numerous prominent political figures.
These include Datuk Mathius Majihi, Datuk Markus Majihi, Atong Magabis, Jornah Mojihim, Sarapin Magana, and Datuk Jelani Hamdan.
Currently, the Matunggong state seat is represented by YB Datuk Julita Mojungki.
Julita has served as the representative for the Matunggong for two terms and is the Secretary-General of the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), with expectations to defend her seat in the forthcoming state election (PRN).
However, in contrast to the political landscape two terms ago, where Julita secured an easy victory in the Matunggong state constituency, political analysts now anticipate that the incumbent will encounter significant opposition from various figures in opposition parties, particularly from Datuk Wetrom Bahanda, the Deputy President of the KDM party.
Social Activist and Political Analyst, Dr Kanul Gindol, stated that considering the previous PRU outcomes for the Kota Marudu parliamentary constituency, where the Matunggong DUN showed significant backing for KDM, he anticipates that Wetrom is likely to run in Matunggong.
“Should this occur, I foresee a heated confrontation that will elevate the political climate of the forthcoming state election,” he remarked, adding that it would be a scenario of “if we win, we win; if we lose, we lose.”
Kanul noted that many perceive Wetrom’s influence to be on par with Julita’s in Matunggong, particularly as Wetrom and KDM are viewed as gaining momentum, while Julita and PBS are seen by many as losing ground.
The fierce rivalry between Wetrom and Julita for the Rungus Matunggong seat is undoubtedly influenced by elements such as their community service histories, affiliations with the Malaya party, religious backgrounds, and the involvement of another local party, Warisan, maybe through veteran Jornah Mozihim.
“Even though the odds seem to be evenly matched for both candidates, it is not out of the question for Wetrom, to pull off another unexpected victory in the Sabah state election, similar to his triumph in the Bandau state assembly and subsequently in the parliamentary election for the Kota Marudu constituency,” Dr Kanul emphasised.
He pointed out that the appeal and charisma of both Wetrom and Julita will be rigorously tested this time in Matunggong, especially as local party sentiments reach their peak, while Barisan Nasional, previously represented by PBRS, is contending with the anti-Malaya party sentiment.
In the 2020 state election, Matunggong experienced an eight-cornered contest, with three parties garnering the most votes: PBS, BN, and PKR. Julita emerged victorious with 4,369 votes, followed by Richard Kastum (BN/PBRS) with 2,859 votes, Sazalye Donol Abdullah (PKR) with 1,680 votes, Dr. Paul Porodong (Independent) with 1,069 votes, Sarapin Magana (PCS) with 843 votes, Hibin Masalin (Gagasan) with 223 votes, Joseff Emmanuel (Independent) with 51 votes, and another Independent candidate, Ronald Tampasok, with 82 votes.
In the 15th General Election of 2022, Wetrom emerged as a “giant killer” in the Kota Marudu constituency by defeating the PBS President, Datuk Dr. Maximus Ongkili, with a significant majority of 8,174 votes.
Dr. Kanul noted that Wetrom’s accomplishment is remarkable, especially considering he had only been a member of the party for a few days when he ran under the KDM emblem.
In the 2022 election, Wetrom garnered 24,318 votes, while Dr. Maximus received 16,144 votes, Jilid Kuminding @ Zainuddin (Warisan) obtained 5,320 votes, Sharizal Denci (Muda) got 3,225 votes, Norman Tulang (Independent) had 660 votes, and Mohd Azmi Zulkiflee (Pejuang) secured 279 votes.#~Jesselton Times/Borneo Herald ™
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