Ex-Amanah Sabah chairman to contest
Former Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Sabah chairman Hamzah Abdullah announced that he would be contesting in the P186 Sandakan parliamentary seat by-election as an independent candidate.
SANDAKAN: Former Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Sabah chairman Hamzah Abdullah announced that he would be contesting in the P186 Sandakan parliamentary seat by-election as an independent candidate.
Hamzah who was also once a PAS Sabah commissioner, said it was a difficult decision and would be his last time contesting after having lost six times when contesting for the state and federal seats since 1986.
However, he said he decided to contest for the last time after he saw that the present government had not been keeping its promises.
“For example, the cabotage policy issue is still unsolved, People's Housing Project rentto-own scheme is still not implemented, the economic downturn in Sandakan, and the youths are still moving out of Sandakan due to the lack of job opportunities here,” he said.
Hamzah said he was confident of winning this time considering the political scenario in Sandakan, where the Chinese community here is feeling betrayed by the promises made by a certain party.
“I may consider backing out (from the election) if a seasoned candidate from PAS wishes to contest. However, I will continue to contest if they choose an ‘overnight' candidate,” he said.
Hamzah is expected to be one of two independent candidates to be contesting in the by-election, with another candidate being Chia Siew Yung, 46, a former operational manager who had never been involved in politics.
The Sandakan parliamentary seat fell vacant after the demise of Datuk Stephen Wong, who also held the post of Health and People's Wellbeing Minister and Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sabah chairman. Wong died on March 28. The nomination will be held on April 27, followed by early voting on May 7 and polling day on May 11.
Commenting on the rejection of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2019 in parliament, Hamzah said it was something that was expected.
He said besides the amendment being done in haste, it was seen as if it had been “pre-planned” for its doom.
“I believe Sabahans aren't excited about this Bill, let alone if it is passed in parliament. What fundamental changes will it bring to Sabahans? Is it something that Sabahans should be proud of? No, this Bill was just exclusively benefitting the politicians in power. Sabahans will remain as they are now; still enduring a hard life.
“Prices of commodities are going up; difficulties still confronting Sabahans as far as documentation is concerned, be they Kadazans, Dusun, Murut, Orang Sungai, Chinese and more.
“PTPTN loans are still haunting Sabahan students despite rich natural resources possessed by the state. Youths are still emigrating out of Sabah to look for a modest job,” he said.
Meanwhile, application for media pass to cover the Sandakan parliamentary seat by-election is now open.
Media practitioners can apply for the pass until a day before the nomination day on April 27, said Election Commission director Rohiman Rahia in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.
He said that media practitioners can obtain the application forms from the Election Commission's website.
Speaking after holding a courtesy visit to the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Mohd Shafie Apdal yesterday, he was also asked on the preparation made in connection with the upcoming by-election.
He declined to do so, stating that the media would be informed at the right time.