KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Barisan Nasional’s decision to introduce 80% fresh faces in the coming state election shows that it is determined to reconnect with the people through a fresh and dynamic approach, Sabah MCA youth chief said.
Roger Yapp said this step is not merely about replacing candidates, but about presenting a new spirit in Barisan’s struggle with young and professional candidates being offered to bring new ideas to address the current needs of the people.
In a statement on Wednesday (Oct 15), he said the decision showed that Barisan was listening to the voices of the people who want change and leaders who truly understand current challenges in Sabah.
Yapp, who is political secretary to Sabah Brisan chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, said that people were fed up with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which was more busy playing politics and failing to address the basic problems of the people, such as water, electricity, and roads.
“Barisan comes with no empty promises and has lined up leaders who are ready to work for the people.
“BN is not a new party in the administration of Sabah. We have experience in governing and developing this state," he said.
He added that the mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces will help restore the people's confidence in the party.
“Now, we add value with energetic new faces that will make Sabah Barisan stronger, fresher, and closer to the people,” he said.
Yapp also urged Barisan members and supporters to remain united and give full support to the new candidates who will be named ahead of the election.
“80% of these new candidates are proof that Barisan has truly changed and is ready to lead Sabah towards more sustainable and stable development,” he added.
On Monday (Oct 12), Bung said that Barisan would field 81% new faces in the state elections and these included 50% youth and women candidates.
Barisan is proposing to contest 48 of the 73 state seats in the electoral pact with Pakatan Harapan.
