TAWAU: Independent candidate for Kukusan Datuk Rina Jainal (pic) hopes the trend of voters prioritising candidates over political parties in this 17th Sabah State Election (PRN) will give her an advantage.
As the former Kukusan Assemblywoman, she said she has high hopes for the 19,225 registered voters in the constituency, including 1,700 young first-time voters who will cast their ballots on Nov. 29, to give her their support.
“When I served as the elected representative five years ago, education was among my main focuses, where I reached out to students through various one-off assistance programmes, the distribution of SPM exam kits, and more.
“Many of them are now young voters, and when I meet them, they still remember the SPM kits I gave them, even though that was just a small gift,” she said.
She said her decision to contest as an Independent using the Tree symbol — after not being renominated by her former party to defend the Kukusan seat — was because many things she had initiated remain unfinished.
“This isn’t just about infrastructure…not just drains or roads. There are many policies that need to be refined and enhanced according to current needs for the people’s well-being.
“And I cannot disappoint the hopes and support of the people and my election machinery who strongly wanted me to contest after being upset that my name was not announced (as a candidate). They want me to continue being their voice,” she said.
According to her, she chose to run as an Independent to ensure her actions remain aligned with her principles — loyalty to the people.
She urged voters in Kukusan to continue placing their trust in her for the continuity of the work she has carried out, which has clearly benefited the community.
Rina said her main focus, if given the mandate again, would be to continue resolving squatter settlement issues, restructuring villages, and improving infrastructure.
She also aims to see more economic resources, job opportunities, and business prospects for the people of Kukusan, especially once the redevelopment of the Old Tawau Airport area into a Smart City is realised.
Rina (seated, centre) with some of her loyal supporters chanting her slogan, “This is the people’s time, this is the time for Independents.”
