GRS CANDIDATE REDONAH BAHANDA UPHOLDS FAMILY UNITY AMID POLITICAL DIVIDE

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate Datuk Redonah Bahanda, who will contest the Bandau state seat in the 17th State Election later this month, says differing political views within her family are not a source of division but a sign of maturity and harmony in politics.

The Wanita GRS deputy chief, making her electoral debut, said maintaining family ties remains her priority even though her two brothers are contesting under different banners.

“Family bonds are very important to me. Though we represent different parties, relationships must be preserved,” she told Bernama after the GRS candidate announcement ceremony today.

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Her brothers - Datuk Wetrom Bahanda of Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), the incumbent for Bandau, and Verdon Bahanda, who is expected to run as an independent in Tanjong Kapor - will also be contesting in the election.

Redonah admitted the situation brings its share of pressure but said loyalty and responsibility to her party remain her focus.

“The key is to campaign with respect and maintain good relations with both family and the community. In Sabah, we can still sit together even when we’re from different parties,” she said.

Redonah also expressed gratitude to GRS chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for empowering more women candidates in the upcoming election.

“I represent the voices of women from all 73 divisions in Sabah, not only GRS members but all women who want to see female leaders in state administration,” she said.

Hajiji earlier announced that GRS will contest 55 of 73 state seats in the Nov 29 polls, with nominations set for this Saturday.

Meanwhile, GRS candidate for Sungai Manila, Hazem Mubarak Musa, said he aims to continue the legacy of Tun Sakaran Dandai by addressing infrastructure issues such as roads and water supply in the constituency.

Hazem, who is Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman’s son, said he has been active in politics for years, working closely with local communities, as his father has always emphasised hard work, serving the people, and listening to their concerns.

However, he stressed that family connections are not a political advantage.

“What matters most is the ability to work for the people, bring positive change, and improve lives in the constituency,” he added.

-- BERNAMA