KOTA KINABALU: Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir says he is prepared to contest one of the state seats under his parliamentary constituency in the upcoming Sabah election — but only if no other Umno candidate is fielded.
“I’m already an MP, and I may not plan to contest, but if there is no other candidate, I will step up,” he said during a Hari Raya event in Libaran, Sandakan, on Saturday (April 5).
“We want all three seats to contribute towards forming the next Sabah government.”
Libaran comprises three state constituencies — Sungai Manila, Sungai Sibuga and Gum Gum.
Suhaimi, who is also Sabah Umno information chief reiterated Umno’s commitment to defending all three Libaran seats — regardless of any political cooperation that may take place.
“For Libaran, Barisan Nasional has ensured it will contest all three seats. Regardless of which coalitions may come into play, we will fight for Gum Gum to be contested by Barisan Nasional,” he said.
“If there is no agreement, then it will be free for all.”
The Gum Gum seat is currently held by Warisan assemblyman Arunarnsin Taib. Suhaimi contested the seat in 2020 but lost to Arunarsin.
Suhaimi also addressed mounting frustrations among Libaran residents over the deteriorating infrastructure and stalled development since 2018.
“Before 2018, when Barisan Nasional was in government, we didn’t face major issues with roads, water, or electricity,” he said, citing a sudden power cut during the event as an example of how services have deteriorated.
“What the people in Libaran want is comfort, continuity in development, and the smooth delivery of infrastructure projects. But many efforts have stalled — and it’s not the fault of the people or local leaders, but the government that has failed to deliver on its promises.”
He stressed that Umno’s presence in all three seats is key to regaining momentum for development and delivering what the people have long been waiting for.
