KOTA KINABALU: As pressure mounts on DAP in Tawau, Pakatan Harapan brought in senior figures to campaign for Philip Yap in Sri Tanjong.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang spoke at a “Meet & Greet Harapan” rally.
They urged voters to back Yap to improve Tawau’s basic infrastructure and tourism industry.
Tiong, who is also the Progressive Democratic Party president, said representation must serve people regardless of party.
“More importantly, if you face problems, you must be able to meet him. If you cannot find him when you need help, that is not a good representative,” he added.
“Give him an opportunity. If he does not work for you, remove him at the next election. He is still young. If you do not give him the opportunity, it will be a big loss,” he added.
About 1,500 people attended the rally.
Yap said he aims to position Tawau as a tourism destination.
He said many tourists head straight to Semporna after landing at Tawau International Airport.
“If I am given the mandate, I will do my utmost to advance Tawau’s tourism industry,” he said.
He said visitors should experience Tawau’s uniqueness.
Drawing on his experience as a municipal councillor, he proposed a tourism development association.
He said it would unite local operators and relevant agencies, adding the body could plan long-term strategies and create synergy between Tawau and Semporna.
Yap said he wants to make the Mid Autumn Lantern Festival and Tawau Music Festival annual events.
He said the celebrations would promote unity and stimulate the local economy, adding if elected as Sri Tanjong assemblyman, he would monitor the airport upgrading works.
Yap then said this would ensure proper implementation at Tawau International Airport.
Sri Tanjong faces a six cornered fight between Pakatan, Sabah STAR, Parti Impian Sabah, Parti KDM, Warisan and an independent.
Early voting is on Wednesday (November 26) and polling is on November 29.
