KINABATANGAN: A shift in the political landscape is expected in Umno’s traditional strongholds, Sukau and Lamag, following the strengthening of a new political alignment by the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat).
Gagasan Rakyat Vice President Datuk Masiung Banah said the local party would field its best candidates in the 17th State Election (PRN17) to contest both constituencies.
“Based on the overwhelming response during two visits by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to Sukau, it is clear that the party is gaining popularity and securing majority grassroots support,” he told the media while accompanying Hajiji, who is also Gagasan Rakyat President, at a Ramadan Iftar event at Masjid Tun Juhar, attended by over 3,000 residents of Sukau and Lamag.
Masiung noted that during the Gagasan Rakyat Sukau/Lamag event in July 2023, Hajiji was also met with a reception of over 7,000 people at Dataran Sukau, further proving the growing confidence of the people in the party.
“Gagasan Rakyat is a local party, and we are confident of garnering strong support to win the Sukau and Lamag state seats.
“The political landscape in these two constituencies has undergone significant changes recently. Gagasan Rakyat, along with the component parties of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), will work hard to ensure victory in the coming PRN17.
“As the ruling government, we always fulfil our promises, unlike the opposition, which merely fabricates stories and makes empty promises. They also frequently stir up issues to incite hatred against government leaders,” he said.
Masiung, who is also Kuamut Assemblyman, emphasised that the Chief Minister had previously pledged to give special attention to the development of Sukau and Lamag.
“The establishment of the Sukau Sub-District Office was realised on February 15, along with the construction of a new hall in Sukau with an allocation of RM3 million,” he said.
During the Iftar event, Hajiji also announced efforts to upgrade Masjid Tun Juhar. Accordingly, the Sukau Sub-District Office and the Mosque Committee have been instructed to submit the work specifications as soon as possible.
