KOTA KINABALU, Nov. 12 -- The announcement ceremony of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) candidates for the upcoming state election had several moments of visible tension and drama surrounding the replacement of incumbent Pintasan assemblyman Datuk Fairuz Renddan with veteran politician Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia.

Fairuz and his supporters were seen in hall just prior to the announcement, dressed in black as opposed to the coalition's signature white colour.

The group created a mild stir over speculation that Fairuz, who is Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah youth chief, would be dropped in favour of the 70-year-old Pandikar, the president of component party United Sabah National Organisation.

The group dispersed after several minutes due to the ...