Independent candidate promises free bus rides for Sandakan
SANDAKAN: N43 Sekong state seat independent candidate Datu Mohd Faisal Datu Bachtiyal has revealed that he will fight for free public transportation in Sandakan through the Free-BusFee programme if he wins in the 14th General Election.
Speaking to voters during his campaign at MPS apartment, Batu Sapi here, Mohd Faisal revealed he had 10 personal manifestos that he would implement if he win, with free bus rides as one of them.
To lighten the burden of the locals, he also pledged to provide emergency funds for those in need; provide more job opportunities by increasing the number of investors to open up factories here; and provide financial assistance to households by batches.
“If given the mandate by the people, I will also assist families in Sekong to earn more by setting up a business chamber to boost the economy here.
“Aside from that, I will also focus on infrastructure development in this area, including setting up systematic public facilities, and I will boost the development of modern infrastructure.
“For the well-being of the locals, I will also have the squatter settlement gazetted so that it will be upgraded and acknowledged as a legal village,” said Mohd Faisal.
He added he was also aware of the now limited space of the cemetery ground in Sekong, noting that if someone in Sekong were to pass away, their family members would have to move the body all the way to Mile 12, which now has a cemetery land provided for the people of Sekong.
“I know it costs a lot for the locals to move the body all the way to Mile 12. Hence, if I win, I will prepare a big land for a Muslim cemetery for the locals,” added Mohd Faisal.
His last manifesto was focused on reducing crime rate in the area and increasing security at the same time so that locals would feel safe.
To this end, Faisal said if he win, he would ensure that each village would have security guards who will ensure the safety of the people of Sekong.
“I hope that on May 9, you will come to the polling centre early and cast your votes for me,” he remarked.
Faisal, 43, is an influential figure in the swiftlet business industry with many years of involvement and achievements in bringing in multiple investors from China to Sandakan.
Faisal also received over 3,000 supporters who quit Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) to support him recently.
The father of eight, a newcomer in politics, will be contesting with an aeroplane logo against five more candidates including Sahar Abd Majid from PAS; Arifin Asgali from Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan); incumbent Datuk Samsudin Yahya from Umno; Abd Rashid Abd Rahman from STAR; and Alias Abdul Rahman Benjamin from Parti Kebangsaan Sabah (PKS).