Sabah Polls: PH’s Ruji Ubi Aims To Leverage Experience To Drive Development In Merotai

TAWAU, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- Former National Unity Ministry secretary-general and Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Merotai state seat, Datuk Ruji Ubi, aims to leverage his experience and expertise to drive development in the constituency he is contesting.

He said that he enters the 17th Sabah State Election with a clear mission and vision.

“Why did I choose to retire early and return to my village? It is because I want to contribute my experience and knowledge in development, human resource management and administration for the future of Sabah.

“I have returned to my hometown, and I pray that the people of Merotai will be open-minded in choosing me to serve them,” he said when met by reporters at the nomination centre at Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan (SRJK) Cina Yuk Cin here today.

According to him, voters can assess his track record through his previous service, having held the highest administrative post of secretary-general in three ministries - the Education Ministry, the Home Ministry and the National Unity Ministry.

“Apart from my experience at the agency level (as director of Sabah State Development), this may serve as a reference point for voters in considering me. Some may say I am new to the field, but in reality, during my time as a government officer, I frequently travelled across the country, including to Merotai, Kalabakan and Tawau,” he said.

After submitting his nomination today, he said he would meet with the party machinery tonight, including a session with Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat) president Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah.

“Alhamdulillah, Harapan Rakyat is with us, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah is also with us, and the parties in the Unity Government will be with us.

“I have met the leaders of these parties, and they have given their commitment to stand with us in facing this election,” he said.

Meanwhile, Parti Warisan (Warisan) candidate for the Merotai state seat, who is also the incumbent, Sarifuddin Hata, said the people have witnessed what his party has delivered on the ground despite being in the opposition for the past five years.

He said support for local parties remains very strong at the grassroots, with many wanting to see Sabah, like Sarawak, governed by native or local parties.

Returning officer Murad Abd Rashid today confirmed that apart from Ruji and Sarifuddin, the contest for the Merotai state seat will also feature Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Hasan Haris and Rhyme @ Reymie Kassim of Parti Impian Sabah (PIS).

A total of 73 state seats will be contested in the upcoming Sabah state election, with early voting slated for Nov 25 and polling day set for Nov 29.

For the latest news on the 17th Sabah state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php. 

-- BERNAMA