This follows a statement by Tuaran Bersatu deputy divisional chief Abdul Kassim Razali today that his party has an advantage in the semi-rural constituency because chief minister Hajiji Noor comes from the area.

GRS partners Barisan Nasional (BN) and PBS are also said to be gunning for the seat.

“Hajiji is the assemblyman for Sulaman, one of four state constituencies in Tuaran,” Kassim said, adding that this put Bersatu “on the right track” to contest Tuaran due to support from the grassroots.

“Looking at the influence, support and strength of Bersatu in Tuaran, it is time for the party to put up a candidate there in GE15.

“However, Bersatu will hold negotiations with its partners in GRS to achieve a consensus to avoid friendly clashes.”

The GRS government comprises PN (made up of Bersatu, STAR and SAPP), BN and PBS.

The other state seats in Tuaran are Pantai Dalit, held by BN, and Tamparuli and Kiulu, both held by PBS.

Like Bersatu, PBS claims it has grassroots support in Tuaran, with two senior leaders, deputy president Jahid Jahim and secretary-general Joniston Bangkuai being the assemblymen for Tamparuli and Kiulu, respectively.

The duo enjoy strong backing from the people in their constituencies, who are mostly from the Kadazan Dusun Murut community.

Tuaran Umno chief and former federal minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan was also recently quoted as saying it was time for Umno to claim the seat following the exit of PBS and Upko, its former partners in BN.

Tuaran, considered a hot seat, is currently held by Wilfred Madius Tangau, the president of Upko, which left BN to form the Sabah government with Warisan and Pakatan Harapan (PH) immediately after GE14.

Upko has since joined PKR, DAP and Amanah to become the fourth component party in PH.

In 2018, Tangau contested under the BN banner and won the seat after garnering 22,494 votes, beating closest contender Chrisnadia Sinam of PKR, who received 14,870 votes.