TAWAU: Incumbent Apas Assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan is leaving it to the 32,000 registered voters in the constituency to decide whether they want a leader who only appears seasonally or a true “servant of the people” who is continuously on the ground.
Nizam, who is also Information Chief of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) and now contesting under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) banner, has won the Apas seat twice, consecutively. He believes that only leaders who serve as genuine “khadam rakyat” will remain relevant.
“When we offer ourselves as leaders, we must serve full-time throughout the five-year term—not as seasonal or part-time leaders,” he said.
Nizam stressed that all candidates must uphold healthy democratic practices, while supporters of all camps should conduct their campaigns lawfully and with proper decorum.
On his chances in the six-cornered fight for the Apas seat, he expressed confidence that voters have seen his consistent record throughout his five-year term.
He added that political stability at the constituency level is crucial for Apas to continue progressing, and stressed that the unity of the people is essential in giving their mandate to a tested leadership.
The five other candidates are Lim Ting Khai (Perikatan Nasional), Sarman Amat Simito (Parti Warisan), Marsiah Omat (Sabah People’s Unity Party), Herman Amdas (Parti Impian Sabah) and Elmiariezan Ardan (Barisan Nasional).
