Tenom DAP Members Rally Behind Senator Noorita Sual for Kemabong

25 August 2025

TENOM: Members of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) in Tenom have thrown their full support behind Senator Noorita Sual, urging that she be chosen as Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) candidate for the Kemabong state seat (N.43) in the upcoming Sabah State Election.

The endorsement was made during the launch of the election machinery for the neighbouring Melalap constituency (N.42), organised by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) at Dataran Malleh in Tenom. The event was attended by senior leaders including PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, Deputy Minister of Higher Education Mustapha Sakmud, PKR Women’s Wing deputy head Datin Rufinah Pengeran, and Tenom division chairman Herbert Roger.

Party members say Noorita’s track record, community ties and proven leadership make her the most qualified candidate to carry Kemabong’s voice to the Sabah State Assembly.

Senator Noorita is already well established in local politics, having made history when she captured the Tenom parliamentary seat in the 14th General Election. Though she did not contest in GE15, results showed she retained strong support in Kemabong.

Crucially, Noorita is a native of Kemabong and a member of the Murut Tahol community, the largest voting bloc in the constituency. Her Christian faith also reflects the majority demographic of Kemabong, strengthening her standing as a representative of the area’s cultural and religious make-up.

Beyond identity, her record of service speaks for itself. As Member of Parliament for Tenom from 2018 to 2022, she helped deliver major development projects worth hundreds of millions of ringgit, including:

The upgrading of the Kemabong–Rundum road (28.5 km) and five bridges worth RM201 million

Construction of the Ulu Tomani–Bakuku road (35.6 km) worth RM189 million

Development of the Tenom District Sports Complex worth RM8 million

Targeted allocations to infrastructure, welfare, NGOs, youth, women’s and community initiatives, as well as education support across Tenom

Supporters point out that Noorita is not only the only Indigenous leader from Tenom currently serving in Parliament’s upper house, but also a hands-on politician known for her presence in the community regardless of race or religion.

DAP Tenom members argue that her combination of experience, effectiveness, and deep local roots make her the clear choice for Kemabong.

“With her leadership, Kemabong will not only have a voice in the State Assembly, but a voice that truly understands its people,” one party member said.