SULAMAN BN CANDIDATE PLEDGES BETTER HEALTHCARE ACCESS FOR THE PEOPLE

By Rohana Nasrah

TUARAN, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Making his debut, young Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Sulaman, Dr Shahnon Rizal Thaijudin, has pledged to expand healthcare access by establishing mobile clinics in the constituency if given the mandate in the 17th Sabah State Election.

The 32-year-old, who holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from Kursk State Medical University, Russia, said many residents in Sulaman still face limited access to health facilities and logistical challenges in reaching the nearest clinic.

The Tuaran-based private medical practitioner said distance, lack of personal transport and travel costs are among the barriers preventing residents, particularly low-income earners and those with health issues, from seeking treatment at hospitals or clinics.

“Geographical factors and the growing population in Tuaran have pushed up the doctor-to-patient ratio. Therefore, I want to bring healthcare facilities closer to the people by establishing more clinics.

“This includes setting up mobile health clinics and providing free ambulance services to the public. This is my aspiration here,” the Kampung Baru Selaut native said in an interview with Bernama.

Dr Shahnon, a former medical officer with the Neurosurgery Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, said the Sabah government needs to prioritise training more doctors to meet the needs of hospitals and clinics statewide.

He said that Sabah has many talented young medical professionals with the potential to drive further transformation and enhance the state’s healthcare services.

Meanwhile, the candidate said he will also focus on a “back to basics” approach, including upgrading basic infrastructure such as village roads, repairing dilapidated homes and ensuring every household has access to clean water.

To empower youth socioeconomically, the former Sekolah Menengah Sains Sabah student expressed his optimism about creating more quality education and employment opportunities, enabling young people to build a more stable future.

“Youths today are a ‘sandwich generation’ supporting their children, spouses and parents. Therefore, to uplift their dignity and standing, we must provide them with proper jobs and education opportunities,” he said.

Dr Shahnon is facing a five-cornered contest in Sulaman, which includes Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who has held the seat for over three decades.

He said his candidacy is not about competing with any prominent Sabah political figure, but rather to offer voters in the constituency a new option, describing the contest as healthy competition.

He added that running as a candidate reflects the opportunities available to young people in Sabah to assume leadership roles in the future.

Sulaman is one of four state constituencies under the Tuaran parliamentary constituency, alongside Pantai Dalit, Tamparuli and Kiulu.

Polling is scheduled for Nov 29, with early voting on Nov 25.

For the latest news on the state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah.

N12: SULAMAN: SABAH: 18,352 voters

1. Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (GRS-Gagasan Rakyat)
2. Tiaminah @ Siti Aminah Ele (PN-Bersatu)
3. Dr Shahnon Rizal Thaijuddin (BN-UMNO)
4. Pajudin Nordin (PIS)
5. Mohktar Hussin (Warisan)

(2020: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor: PN-Bersatu: Majority: 3,099)

-- BERNAMA