SANDAKAN: A surge in multi-corner contests across Sabah shows growing voter dissatisfaction with the state’s leadership, says Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin.
The Bersatu deputy president and Perikatan Nasional deputy chairman said the unusually high number of candidates reflects pressures from economic and daily hardships.
He said these pressures are prompting Sabahans to reassess the state’s direction.
“The sheer number of candidates shows just how dissatisfied Sabahans have become,” he said.
“People are no longer happy with the way things are and want the chance to determine a better direction for themselves,” added Hamzah.
He said this after launching a Perikatan event in Taman Mawar on Sunday (Nov 16) to support Sekong candidate Mohd Fazriee Awang.
Hamzah said the crowd turnout was strong and included Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera residents.
He said this mirrored rising sentiment across Sabah, adding many feel compelled to step forward as candidates because leadership issues have affected livelihoods.
Hamzah said many Sabahans now feel the need to re-evaluate leadership after years of unresolved problems.
He added that voters are increasingly seeking a government led by responsible and professional individuals.
Hamzah drew comparisons with previous administrations.
He said Sabahans once felt they could question decisions, offer views and raise concerns.
Today, he said, many believe such space is no longer available.
He said this has led them to decide their future through the ballot box.
“People feel their voices are no longer being heard,” he said.
“That is why so many have stepped forward, because they want a say in shaping what happens next,” added Hamzah.
This year’s state election records 596 candidates vying for 73 seats.
The contests include ten nine corner, nine ten corner, six eleven corner, four thirteen corner and one fourteen corner fights.
He also addressed the controversy over Kedah exco member Mansor Zakaria’s remark that Sabahans could be swayed by Gardenia bread during campaigns.
Hamzah said the comment was exaggerated by unreasonable parties.
He said the apology should be accepted since the individual had apologised and accepted responsibility.
“I think that was just an issue that was raised and then blown up by unreasonable people,” he said.
“Sometimes things like this are not something that makes people think whether it is really true or just being played around with,” he added.
“Sometimes his intention was different, but by the time it reaches our ears, we feel it becomes something that does not make sense,” he said.
“However, he has already apologised and feels it was a mistake on his part, so we should accept it,” he added.
“Forgiveness should be given to someone who has taken responsibility for what he said,” he said.
