GE15: Local problems come first for GRS’ Batu Sapi candidate

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah rights and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are popular topics among both novice and seasoned politicians vying for seats in the 15th General Election (GE15).

But Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, who is contesting the east coast Batu Sapi seat, prefers to talk about issues a little closer to home – indeed, his constituents' actual homes.

The Deakin University (Melbourne) graduate said he wanted to resolve on-the-ground problems first before talking about state or national issues in his campaign.

"I prefer to focus more on issues plaguing the people in Batu Sapi only," he said when met on the campaign trail on Friday (Nov 11).

"Here, in the villages for example, we have all sorts of problems such as a difficult life, unresolved utility supplies, rubbish collection, even settlements not being gazetted as villages.

"And in the town area there are issues like traffic congestion, limited job opportunities and many more that I heard and saw for myself.

"I care for Batu Sapi and that is why I think I should be given the opportunity to carry the voice and aspirations of the people, so that these problems will be resolved and subsequently bring about development here," Khairul Firdaus added.

Despite being a new face in politics, he said people in the area would be familiar with his track record of serving the constituency for 18 years.

At the same time, he said, the people have come to learn more about GRS and its contributions as part of the GRS-Barisan Nasional state government.

"GRS is a local Sabah (coalition). The parties (within GRS) are united in working together to bring about change to the state and its people.

"As for me, I want to look after the people in Batu Sapi regardless of race and religion," he said.

Khairul Firdaus said he was also close to the Chinese community as his mother was of Chinese descent.

"I want clean and clear politics, I don’t want any of us to quarrel among each other because of different ideologies or race.

"I wish to see everyone united and living in harmony in Batu Sapi because we are part of one big family and we need to look after each other," he said.

He added that the GRS-Barisan state government provided millions of ringgit in assistance to Chinese schools and associations statewide and this showed that it treated every race fairly.