BONGAWAN: GRS supporters say that while there is no denying that incumbent Warisan representative Dr Daud Yusof has continued providing community support despite serving as an opposition lawmaker, it is time to throw in someone who has what it takes to tackle larger and more complex challenges and create lasting solutions.
That person, they say, is Tan Sri Anifah Aman who is aiming to unseat Dr Daud in the Sabah election.
“Dr Daud did a good job actually. His initiatives have included small grants to schools, aid for village infrastructure and routine welfare assistance.
“But Bongawan doesn’t want to play small forever. It’s time to shake the ground in Bongawan. We need a shaker and a mover,” said *GRS N.30 Bongawan Deputy Division Chief Datuk Mursidi Sapi.
He said residents are awakening to the fact that the constituency’s longer-term challenges, from youth unemployment to having lack of opportunities, have sharpened debate over the scale of leadership needed.
People have realised that short-term solutions are not sustainable,” he added.
“They want to see a future. Believe me, Anifah can make them see it. One needs to be able to see it in order to create it.
“I’ve no intention to belittle anyone especially Dr Daud. He’s been a good leader to the people and well accepted by many. But it’s time we must come out from what’s safe and familiar to us. That’s the only way we can go further. The rest of the world is moving at a fast pace. Bongawan can’t afford to stay behind,” he said.
Despite efforts to make the people see the reality of Bongawan through the Anifah’s lens, Mursidi said his opponents keep playing political narratives to make him look incompetent and appear as an outsider who have no business and real meaningful connection with the majority Bruneian Malays in Bongawan.
“Some have gone as far as calling him a Pakistani,” he said.
The recurring issue is the performance of the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT), a major facility launched during his tenure as foreign minister.
Warisan leaders have previously criticised the project, saying it has not delivered significant benefits to the local population.
Supporters of Anifah reject the claim, arguing the facility required continued policy follow-through.
“The Warisan elected representative and leaders should have taken forward what Anifah started, but they didn’t,” he said.
“Maybe they lacked the vision to take it to the next level so the facility could deliver maximum impact.”
“It takes a visionary leader to be able to do that,” he added.
“If Anifah is given the mandate, I’m sure he will do something about it. He’s not someone who walks away from a mega project without seeing that it serves its purpose and reaches its fullest potential.”
A visionary leader or a social worker? Your choice Bongawan
