KOTA KINABALU, Oct 31 — The component parties of Pakatan Harapan in Sabah, including new ally the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), are all scheduled to announce their candidates to the public today.

The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) was the first to do so at noon, saying it will put forward five candidates who will contest in Tuaran, Penampang, Kimanis, Libaran and Beluran.

Current Upko president Datuk Madius Tangau will be defending his Tuaran seat, while his deputy and incoming president Datuk Ewon Benedick, 39, will take on Penampang against former Warisan ally Datuk Darell Leiking.

Benedick is the Kadamaian assemblyman.

Upko Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang, 48, will contest in Beluran, while Upko deputy secretary Peter Naintin, 44, will contest the Libaran seat.

Naintin, who is Upko’s Libaran division chief, is an engineer, motivational speaker and financial planner.

Meanwhile, businesswoman, former stewardess and Upko deputy information chief Rowindy Lawrence will contest the Kimanis seat.

“Upko’s candidates will be using the PH logo to contest,” said Tangau.

At 2pm, Muda is expected to announce its candidate for the Kota Marudu seat at the party’s state headquarters in Damai.

Muda is expected to pit former Sabah Muda chief Sharizal Denci — a self-described “agriculture enthusiast” — against political heavyweights Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Maximus Ongkili and Umno-turned-Bersatu-turned-Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Malaysia (PKDM) leader Datuk Wetrom Bahanda.

DAP has scheduled a press conference for 3.30pm to announce its choice of candidates at the party’s headquarters in Damai.

Three of the party’s incumbents for Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tenom will defend their seats, while it will be announcing four new faces for Papar, Batu Sapi, Lahad Datu and Keningau.

PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will announce PKR candidates in Putatan at 4pm. Sabah PH is also having a big gathering in the district of Tuaran beginning at 7pm tonight.

In the mix also is Parti Amanah Negara, which is expected to contest one seat — most likely Sipitang.

Malaysians will head to the polls for GE15 on November 19, with early voting set for November 15.