PENAMPANG, April 28 —  It was a civil and orderly affair here in the heartland of the Kadazandusun as political rivals who are also relatives greeted each other and hugged graciously before embarking on their fight.

Penampang incumbent Darell Leiking and Barisan Nasional (BN) hopeful Ceasar Mandela Malakun hugged each other upon meeting and wished each other good luck.

"Saudara bah ni,” said Malakun as they smiled for the camera before entering the Penampang Cultural Centre, referring to their familial relationship.

Malakun’s aunt is married to Leiking’s uncle. The two are going up for the Penampang parliamentary seat along with Kepayan incumbent Dr Jack Bosi, who Is gunning for a parliamentary seat this time around under Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri.

Malakun, a first timer, was accompanied by his mother Datin Sylvia Wong.

In the nomination hall, MCA’s Kapayan candidate Datuk Francis Goh also reached out to Dr Bosi and smiled for cameras.

"We are old friends,” said Goh, who is contesting for the first time.

Goh is going up against Jannie Lasimbang from his former DAP party, and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku’s Chong Pit Fah.  Lasimbang is a first timer while this is Chong’s second time contesting.

The Penampang parliamentary constituency is set to see a five cornered fight while Kapayan and Moyog will see at least three candidates vying for the seat

Outside the hall, crowds of up to 2,000 people showed up bearing their parties’ flags and colours.

STAR was the first party to arrive at about 7am followed by Parti Anak Negeri.

BN and Warisan followed consecutively at about 9am with the biggest crowds.

The crowds were civil and stayed within their cordoned boundaries while chanting "Hidup BN” or "Ubah” and other party chants.