TAWAU: Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Datuk Ruji Ubi said the Sabahan for Malaysia (S4M) concept is key to achieving balanced and equitable development within the Malaysian Federation.
The former Chief Secretary of three federal ministries believes S4M is already being realised through the involvement and expertise of Sabahans, including those from Tawau, who are recognised as leaders at the Federal Government level.
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These include Petronas Senior Vice President Datuk Bachok Pilong, East Coast Rail Link Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak and Kuala Lumpur Police Commissioner Datuk Fadil Marsus.
"Our concept of governing and developing this State is that Sabah and Malaysia are one and the same," he told a media conference during the launch of his manifesto at his home in Kampung Haji Matahir, Merotai, Saturday.
Sabah-base parties have so far promoted a “Sabah for Sabahans” and “Sabahans for Sabah” concept.
Ruji said the S4M concept also aims to elevate Sabah's reputation through strong Federal Government support, particularly through substantial funding for high-impact projects.
He noted that S4M's current contribution involves bringing back policy knowledge, implementation strategies and expertise gathered by Sabahans at the national level to develop Sabah itself.
Additionally, he pointed out that Sabah has received notable attention from the Federal Government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, benefiting every citizen regardless of background.
"I see the Prime Minister is very concerned about every Malaysian, ensuring no one is left behind, with every segment of society supported at both national and Sabah levels," he said.
He said this is evidenced through substantial budget allocations, commitment to Sabah's 40 per cent rights and efforts to establish a State Government administration combining experienced politicians and technocrats.
Regarding his manifesto, Ruji believes radical and bold initiatives are needed to ensure residents in Merotai can enjoy immediate benefits without excessive bureaucracy.
"If elected as Merotai Assemblyman, I will focus on resolving the three key issues, namely, electricity, water and roads, as well as documentation matters related to late birth certificate registration.
"This includes gazetting village and customary lands, building a Native Court or Native Training Institute and making Merotai a centre of knowledge development through character building," he said.
His other priorities include constructing a new secondary school, establishing partnerships with authorities like the Labour Department to create employment and business opportunities for youths, and setting up a haemodialysis treatment centre.
He also plans to set up a mobile Merotai State Assembly service centre and create a recreation centre and New Merotai Town on SD Guthrie Sdn Bhd land, which is expected to become a focal point and boost economic activity for Merotai residents and surrounding areas once implemented.
