SABAH POLLS: DOCTORS-TURNED-CANDIDATES BRING EMPATHY, ‘PULSE-CHECKING’ TO CAMPAIGN TRAIL

By Khatijah Jistoh

TAWAU, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- In the midst of the 17th Sabah State Election campaign, the soft thump of a stethoscope and the quiet hum of a blood pressure monitor may not be the kind of spectacle that grabs headlines.

Yet behind this simple approach lies a method that may resonate more deeply with voters through personal interaction and genuine concern during this election.

For Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal, 38, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for the Tanjung Batu state seat, his medical background has become his most meaningful tool. He has been putting it to full use, offering basic health checks directly to residents through a door-to-door health visit programme.

“This isn’t merely a campaign for me - it’s part of who I am. Treating patients is my profession, and now that I’ve been nominated, I’m using this chance to meet the community while offering treatment and basic health education,” he told Bernama.

Previously served as the director of Lahad Datu Hospital, Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal said that if given the mandate, he plans to establish a mobile health team and personally go into the field to carry out basic checks such as blood pressure screenings, medication reviews and providing advisory services.

“The community’s health agenda is one of the key development priorities for the Tanjung Batu constituency, alongside infrastructure and economic growth,” he said, adding that he also plans to set up a mobile medical team consisting of doctors, nurses and physiotherapists.

“Physiotherapy is also very important because it allows us to teach caregivers how to conduct exercises at home, as it is often difficult for them to travel to the hospital,” said Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal, who will be contesting in a five-cornered race in Tanjung Batu.

Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Apas state seat, Dr Elmiariezan Ardan, 35, is also placing emphasis on health and welfare in the constituency’s social development.

“We visited several homes in the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) Batu 8, checked on elderly residents who were unwell, carried out basic health screenings, reviewed their medications and offered advice.

“In addition, we also look into issues raised by residents, such as welfare assistance that may have been discontinued for certain reasons, and we will try to help,” said Dr Elmiariezan, who is facing a six-cornered clash in Apas.

Dr Elmiariezan, who runs a health clinic in Tawau, said he would continue providing initial health check-ups and community care if given the mandate.

“There is no issue for me because I have been doing this for many years, and whether I am active in politics or in the health field, I have always wanted to stay close to the community,” he said.

Tanjung Batu is one of four state constituencies under the Kalabakan Parliamentary constituency, along with Kukusan, Sebatik and Merotai.

Meanwhile, Apas is one of three state constituencies within the Tawau Parliamentary constituency, together with Sri Tanjong and Balung.

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

EC data shows that 1,784,843 voters are eligible to vote in this election, comprising 1,760,417 ordinary voters, 11,697 military personnel and their spouses, and 12,729 police personnel and their spouses.

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

-- BERNAMA