SABAH POLLS: SALLEH’S USUKAN AGENDA FOCUSES ON YOUTH HOUSING, ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

KOTA BELUD, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said development in the Usukan state seat would continue to focus on affordable housing and job opportunities for youth if Barisan Nasional (BN) is given the mandate in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election (PRN).

Salleh, 68, who is defending the seat, said the state election provides an opportunity for him and BN to outline Usukan’s development direction, which has been planned more comprehensively for the well-being of its residents.

The Sabah UMNO treasurer said housing for the youth is among his main priorities, including introducing a zero-down payment concept and a rent-to-own scheme to make home ownership more accessible for young people.

“We plan to develop housing in Kota Belud that does not require advance payments or down payments. We have introduced a concept where, once you are offered a home, you can move in without paying a down payment… and secondly, we will introduce a rent-to-own system,” he told Bernama recently.

He said that the affordable housing initiative in Usukan is crucial, as many youths from the Kota Belud district who work in Kota Kinabalu are currently burdened with high rental costs in the city.

He said that once the Pan Borneo Highway is completed, travel between Kota Belud and Kota Kinabalu is expected to become smoother and shorter, making it easier for youths working in the state capital to reside in Kota Belud through the affordable housing schemes offered.

Meanwhile, Mohd Salleh emphasised that the tourism sector in the Usukan constituency - particularly on Pulau Mantanani - holds significant potential to generate economic spillover, especially if more accommodation facilities are developed.

“Right now, what’s happening is that tourists come to Kota Belud in the morning and leave in the evening… so there is no economic spillover. If they stay overnight, they will spend in Kota Belud, and this will help boost the local economy,” he added.

The Usukan development master plan also prioritises fundamental needs such as water, electricity, roads and internet connectivity.

He also expressed confidence that his service record and the consistent development framework for Usukan provide a strong foundation for him to defend the seat, which he previously won with a 4,298-vote majority.

According to him, the six-cornered contest is not merely a clash of candidates but a competition of policies and future offerings for Sabah, with major political parties presenting differing visions for the state's direction.

Meanwhile, Salleh emphasised that political engagement must be grounded in decorum, values and healthy competition, rather than being driven by personalities or sentiments.

Responding to challenges posed by younger candidates, Salleh said that politics is not defined by age but by one’s ability to provide solutions, demonstrate wisdom and deliver tangible results for the people.

The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 29 as polling day, with early voting scheduled for Nov 25.

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

-- BERNAMA