KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said he is prepared to contest a state seat in his home base of Lahad Datu in the upcoming election.
The Lahad Datu MP, however, said it is up to Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal to decide if he can contest for the party, which sits in opposition at the state level.
"It is up to the president, there are four state seats in the Lahad Datu parliamentary constituency," said Yusof when asked by reporters after his ministry's Kupi Kupi Bah Kita with the media.
Yusof, who is Shafie's younger brother, is speculated to be a possible candidate for one of the four seats in Lahad Datu, which is seen as a Warisan stronghold, having won all the seats in the 2020 snap elections.
Two Warisan assemblymen—Datuk Norazlinah Arif (Kunak) and Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi (Segama)—have defected to other parties.
Earlier, Yusof urged the media to continue helping the ministry create awareness and understanding among the people about the ministry's role.
He said various activities by his ministry aimed at creating awareness in science and innovation were still not well known among the people, especially in Sabah.
"That is why we have held various programmes such as the National Science Week 2025 in Sabah.
"We want Sabah children at the school level to know, understand, and become interested in the field of science, which is an important choice for the future of this country," Yusof added.
He said his ministry is also proposing the establishment of a National Science Centre in Kota Kinabalu, with the state government assisting in identifying a site for the facility.
He said his ministry’s efforts help create a better understanding of the importance of science to the community in Sabah.
He noted that many students are not interested in science subjects because they may not see a future in the field.
"As such, we have the necessary programmes with scientists on tour to help students gain more interest in sciences and see the potential of its future in their career plans," he added.
