The PKR candidate said the large number of contenders, including two former assemblymen, gives voters the chance to closely scrutinise who has integrity, capability and leadership to move Inanam forward.

“I always look at things from a positive angle. This challenge gives us the energy to put our abilities to the test and prove to the people that we deserve to be chosen.

“This (13-cornered fight) is normal in Sabah. But of course it’s difficult for the people to assess because there are many candidates they don’t know in terms of personality, ability and their respective strengths.

“Choosing an elected representative is not something to take lightly. It is about who can uplift this area and make it better,” he told FMT.

Peto faces two former Inanam assemblymen – Kenny Chua of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku and independent Dr Roland Chia.

The other candidates are Wong Thien Fook (Upko), Edna Jessica Majimbun (Warisan), Lewis Wong (Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat), Paul Anap (Parti Impian Sabah) and Joseph Linggian (Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri).

Also in the race are Sumali Marino Ahmad (Parti Rumpun Sabah), Gordon Lai (Parti Bumi Kenyalang), Martin Sibit (Parti Gemilang Anak Sabah), Chia Yun Kong (Perjuangan Rakyat) and independent Shone Eric Jr Majimbun.

Peto won the seat in the 2020 Sabah election with a majority of 5,638 votes in a 10-cornered contest.