KOTA KINABALU: Election candidates should not focus on chasing political ambitions but strive towards bringing all Sabahans together, says Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.
The Warisan president said the many multi-cornered fights reflect divisions in local politics.
“There must be leadership not just at the national level, but at the state level to ensure unity among the people.
“Unite the people not through the party or your political ambitions, but based on the basic needs of locals,” Shafie told reporters when met after an event in Kota Belud.
“It is important for us to see how Malaysians in Sabah take this opportunity to unite the people,” he added.
Shafie questioned the billions spent in the state budget, as basic necessities such as water and electricity continue to be an issue affecting even urban Sabahans.
“Electricity is still an issue. Why would investors come to Sabah? Imagine the impression foreign or peninsula tourists get when they come to Sabah,” he added.
Shafie pointed to the previous state government under the Warisan administration 2018-2020 that had a track record of supporting tourism in the state.
“We facilitated the loans for AirAsia where they brought Chinese tourists to Kota Kinabalu. I told Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, we facilitated the loan to you, make sure tourists don’t transit at KLIA,” he said.
Shafie also urged locals in Kota Belud to vote for a new candidate to represent them in the state assembly.
“We should not rely on old faces. I am confident that we can change the current situation in Kota Belud if we are given a chance to administer Sabah,” he added.
