KINABATANGAN, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Mohd Ismail Ayob believes his six years of working on youth and community issues have prepared him well, and he is hopeful that this experience will win over voters in the Lamag state by-election.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate, affectionately known as Miha, said his volunteer work with NGOs and the Miha Community Service Unit, which he founded and chairs, has given him a deep understanding of constituents seeking a breath of fresh air.
Mohd Ismail said he is committed to developing Lamag and ensuring grassroots voices are heard and acted on.
“In six years leading the NGO, I’ve gained experience in tackling local issues, empowering youth and bringing together people of different races and religions through cultural activities…this NGO has 40 volunteers.
“The difference is that as an NGO, our voice is limited and resources are tight. As an elected representative, we can raise issues in the State Legislative Assembly, bridge the gap between the government and the people, and access funding for development,” he told Bernama in a recent interview.
In the Sabah State Election on Nov 29 last year, Mohd Ismail, an independent candidate in Lamag, came second, losing to Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin by a 153-vote margin in a five-way race.
Mohd Ismail said he will also champion housing issues, including the construction of People’s Housing Project (PPR) units to ensure residents have more comfortable homes.
The Lamag state by-election, which sees Mohd Ismail challenged by Mazliwati Abdul Malek of Warisan, and the three-cornered contest in the Kinabatangan parliamentary by-election involving Mohd Kurniawan Naim, Datuk Saddi Abdul Rahman (Warisan) and Goldam Hamid (Independent), were called following the death of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, 66, on Dec 5 last year.
The Kinabatangan parliamentary constituency, which comprises Kuamut, Lamag, and Sukau state seats, has 48,722 voters, including 13,899 in Lamag.
Polling for both by-elections is on Jan 24, while early voting is on Jan 20.
-- BERNAMA
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