Kota Kinabalu: Incumbent Awang Ahmad Sah Awang Sahari denies his decision to take on his brother Awang Hussaini of PKR as an independent for the Petagas seat is due to personal ambition.
Awang Husaini, 58, described the contest as part of the democratic process rather than a family feud.
“The contest between siblings may seem unusual, but has happened before in other areas. What matters is that the voters have the right to choose freely,” he said.
“Some look at the candidate’s work, while others are influenced by party policies and leadership. Ultimately, it’s the people who decide,” the former Putatan MP said.
Awang Ahmad, 66, won the seat under a Parti Warisan ticket with a 261-vote majority and later jumped to Gagasan Rakyat. He said he is responding to demands to contest as an independent.
“I have served the people in education, welfare, housing, and scholarships. The community asked me to stand again because I have always looked after Petagas,” he said.
Gagasan Rakyat has honoured negotiations with Pakatan Harapan not to contest the seat and said any party candidates who contest as independents will be cast out.
Awang Ahmad had previously announced himself as a candidate in social media but quit the party to run as an independent when not chosen.
“I resigned from my party and branch leadership. I am here to respond to the aspirations of the people. Youth empowerment and leadership development would be my priority if elected.
“The voters ultimately decide the outcome. If I win, it is the people who have won,” he said.
