KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is not afraid of competition in the upcoming state election, says its secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
The Karanaan assemblyman said his confidence stems from regular interactions with his constituents, who continue to support the ruling coalition, particularly local parties.
"I visit my village every weekend, and (from) the feedback... the people still support us," he told reporters at a Chinese New Year dinner on Tuesday (Jan 21).
He had been asked about Bersatu deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s indication that it might contest 18 seats in the 17th Sabah Election, set to take place by September.
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Of those 18 seats, Bersatu won 11 in the previous election in 2020, including Masidi’s Karanaan seat before he joined the state-based Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah.
Masidi said competition in elections should be embraced as the nation practises the demoractic system.
"Anyone is welcome to contest, including in my constituency. We welcome them with open arms. If they feel they have a chance to win, they are free to try. There are no restrictions," said the state Finance Minister.
He also downplayed political tensions, stressing that elections are not about hostility.
"It is not a boxing match where we need to fight each other," he said, adding that political rivalry in Sabah has never been personal.
"We may have different political ideologies but culturally, we do not insult each other. We practise politics with respect and friendship," he said.
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While he believes GRS has the advantage, he cautioned against complacency.
"In the end, it is up to the voters. While we sense strong support, we must never be overconfident," he said.
On issues raised by voters, particularly concerns that government initiatives are mere political gestures, such as the long-standing Kundasang-Ranau road issue, Masidi said leaders must act swiftly.
"We should not wait until after the election to address problems. If we hesitate out of fear of political accusations, nothing will ever get done. Whether it’s election season or not, issues must be resolved as they arise," he said.
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Masidi also commented on the ongoing investigation into allegations involving several assemblymen linked to a mineral project corruption scandal.
As one of those implicated, he said he had nothing to hide and urged the public to allow the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to carry out its probe without interference.
"I think it is best that we do not interfere with the MACC investigation. We do not want our comments to be seen as meddling in their work," he said.
Following a leaked video that allegedly implicated him, Masidi gave a statement to the MACC, reiterating that he had nothing to conceal.
