SANDAKAN: For Mohd Zharif Aizat Samsudin, contesting in Sekong in the Sabah general election is more than just a political mission.
It is a personal mission to continue the development legacy left behind by his late father, Datuk Samsudin Yahya.
The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate said many of his father’s plans, including supplying clean water to coastal villages such as Kampung Bambangan, were halted after his father lost the seat in the 14th general election (GE14).
Determined to honour that unfinished work, Zharif said resolving water and electricity supply issues would be his immediate priority if he is elected, especially as Sekong holds strong potential as an industrial hub.
“Sekong is a highly promising industrial area.
“If I am given the opportunity, we want to attract more investors and major companies to come to Sekong and open factories, but one of the main challenges here is the basic infrastructure.
“That is why I have said that infrastructure must be improved.
“If factories are to be opened in Sekong, there must be water and electricity,” he said during a meet-and-greet session with the Chinese community at Taman Mawar.
Zharif faces a six-cornered contest in the Sabah polls, going up against incumbent Alias Sani of Parti Warisan, Puan Sri Diana Diego of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, Abada Atalad of Parti Impian Sabah, Mohd Fazriee Awang of Perikatan Nasional, and independent candidate Arifin Asgali.
Despite the crowded field, his motivation is rooted less in politics and more in the needs of the community, particularly the youth.
He said nearly five years of working with a youth-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) opened his eyes to the challenges faced by young people in Sekong, especially the lack of sports and recreational facilities.
“For example, in Sekong, there are no proper places for them to play sports.
“Most of the facilities, especially on the islands, need upgrading.
“So one of my visions is to upgrade all existing sports centres such as futsal courts and basketball courts,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
