PENAMPANG, Nov 11 — After a 35-year absence, Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee is making a long-awaited return to the political arena of Sugut, the same state constituency where he first contested in 1990.
The announcement was made by Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, confirming Ronald’s candidacy for the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN-17) — a move that signals both continuity and renewal within the coalition’s Sabah strategy.
For Ronald, who currently serves as Member of Parliament for Beluran, the contest carries personal significance. Sugut lies within the Beluran parliamentary boundary, alongside the Telupid and Labuk constituencies, areas he has represented for years and where his political influence remains deeply rooted.
His first foray into state politics dates back to 1990, when he contested Sugut under a different political landscape, eventually losing in a five-cornered contest to Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) candidate Jublee Zen. Three and a half decades later, his return is seen as a homecoming to familiar ground — one that could reshape local voter dynamics in the east coast region.
During the PN Sabah candidate announcement earlier today, attention also turned to the Sulaman seat, where PN fielded Datin Tiaminah Ele, who will take on Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, the chairman of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Muhyiddin revealed that PN will contest 41 seats across the state, with a striking 90 per cent of candidates being new faces and around 30 per cent comprising young leaders.
“Every candidate was selected through a thorough and disciplined process to ensure credibility and integrity. Five of our nominees are women, representing about 15 per cent of the line-up,” he said.
In the 2020 state election (PRN-16), PN secured 17 assembly seats — 11 through Bersatu and six under Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) — forming part of the ruling coalition with GRS.
Ronald’s re-entry into the Sugut race adds a nostalgic yet strategic dimension to PN’s campaign. Observers believe his local familiarity and parliamentary record could rekindle support in Beluran, potentially turning Sugut into one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in PRN-17.