SANDAKAN: Saifulah Lokman, Warisan's candidate for Lamag in the 17th Sabah Election, says he remains keen to contest the upcoming Lamag by-election.
Saifulah, who contested for the first time in the Nov 29 election, said he gained valuable experience and exposure to key local issues.
"I had no experience then… I now understand how things work and can do better," he said when contacted.
Earlier on Thursday (Dec 18), Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the party had yet to decide if it would contest the Lamag and Kinabatangan by-elections.
The Election Commission declared the seats vacant due to the death of its incumbent, Barisan Nasional's Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Saifulah said he hoped he would be given the opportunity to contest again but would respect the party's decision.
The 31-year-old acknowledged criticism that he was not in Lamag for the past 10 years.
"There are no job opportunities in Lamag. That was why I had to leave," he said.
Saifulah, a former flight steward, said his previous job had taken him to many foreign countries, which he said shaped his views on development and job creation.
He is now an entrepreneur who owns three restaurants.
He said his experience strengthened his belief that local economic initiatives are key to addressing unemployment in rural areas like Lamag.
Saifulah said that if given the chance to contest again, he would be more present in Lamag and work closely with the people.
