Kota Kinabalu: Upko Putatan division chief Datuk Dr Marcus M. Mojigoh said he will contest as an independent candidate for the Tanjung Aru State seat in the imminent 17th State Election (PRN17) if the seat is not given to Upko and the wrangling continues.
“I will be using my own money and I don’t mind at all to spend it when fielding myself as an independent for the seat,” said Dr Marcus, formerly Putatan Member of Parliament when met at Senior Citizen Activity Centre (PAWE).
He said many are upset with the high number of political parties including new ones that are causing confusion and indicates how disunited politicians are in the State.
He aims to secure at least 10 per cent out of the estimated 20,000 voters in Tanjung Aru which includes Sembulan and Pulau Gaya so that he would not lose his deposit.
“If I win the seat, I pledge to address the longstanding issues faced by the people in the constituency.
“Among them is to continue calling for the relocation of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) to a more suitable site, which would allow for its expansion as Malaysia’s second-busiest international airport.
“So that some high-rise buildings in Kota Kinabalu and surrounding areas near the airport can be built because presently, there are height restrictions due to the airport’s proximity,” he said.
He also cited the predicament faced by the original residents cum house owners of Sembulan including in Sembulan Tengah and Sembulan Lama.
For those owners whose lease on the lands has expired and houses demolished to make way for upcoming developments, they should be sufficiently compensated.
At the same time, he said the State government should provide housing by setting aside about one to two acres in Sembulan to build a four-storey apartment for them to live in on humanitarian basis.
He will highlight the noise pollution emitted from aircrafts departing and landing at Kota Kinabalu International Airpor (KKIA), which are affecting nearby areas
He also pointed out the filthy condition of water villages in Kg Tanjung Aru, Sembulan and Pulau Gaya that need to be addressed and tackled.
On the contrary, he said if Upko is given the chance to contest in Tanjung Aru, then he will render full support to the party candidate.
