KOTA KINABALU: Political differences should be set aside now that the Sabah election is over, and attention should be focused on development, says Gabungan Rakyat Sabah secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun (pic).
Masidi, who retained the Karanaan state seat in the Nov 29 state election, said the people, particularly in the Ranau district, should put aside political differences and focus on efforts to develop the area.
“The election is over. Let us no longer talk about this party or that party. Now is the time for us to start working together,” the Deputy Chief Minister II and Finance Minister said in his speech at the Kita Orang Ranau Concert held at the Ranau Cultural Centre on Saturday.
He said the next five years would be the best time for all parties to work together for the benefit of the people, expressing his appreciation and gratitude to the residents of Ranau for their support and trust in allowing him to represent them.
On a separate matter, Masidi denied claims of alleged unethical campaign practices made by independent candidate Naomi Francis, who has filed an application for leave for a judicial review at the Kota Kinabalu High Court to nullify the Karanaan election result.
Naomi, who did not file an election petition but instead sought a judicial review of the results, named the Election Commission and Masidi as respondents, alleging that the commission had failed to ensure a fair election in Karanaan.
Among her claims were allegations of vote-buying.
Masidi said he would defend the case and described the claims as baseless, adding that they undermined the democratic process and the trust of the people.
