PAPAR: Tan Sri Anifah Aman (
pic), the GRS candidate for Bongawan, has brushed off criticisms of his wealth, saying he refuses to be distracted by personal attacks when voters are more concerned about solutions than slander.
He said such attacks, which he described as “petty election-season potshots”, are part and parcel of politics and will not derail his focus on campaigning.
“Voters are more interested in candidates who can deliver solutions rather than those who trade in personal slurs,” he said, adding that the priority should be what candidates can realistically contribute to local communities rather than their financial standing or family ties.
“I do not take such remarks to heart and view them as part of the political contest,” said Anifah during a walkabout here on Monday.
Anifah, a former Kimanis MP who previously held several federal portfolios, acknowledged that his business success from a young age and his long public career have repeatedly been used as political ammunition throughout the campaign.
However, he said voters should judge him on whether his experience and resources can be put to work for Bongawan’s development.
“If the people of Bongawan believe that my background, success or wealth can be leveraged to help improve their lives, uplift their families or support the socio-economic transformation of Bongawan, then use me, because there is so much I can do and want to offer. I would have served a greater purpose,” he said.
He added that any candidate’s resources — whether experience, networks or professional expertise — should be directed toward addressing longstanding issues such as economic opportunities, infrastructure gaps and youth development.
The Bongawan seat, located in the Papar district, has seen active campaigning from multiple parties amid heightened public interest in economic revitalisation and infrastructure upgrades. Anifah’s entry has drawn attention due to his previous tenure in the federal administration.
Meanwhile, some supporters say the personal attacks against him are unfair, largely because he is the younger brother of Sabah TYT Tun Musa Aman.
“There are brothers like the Kitingans and the Apdals. Just because they are siblings does not mean anything,” said GRS Information Chief Saidin Ibrahim.
“Many siblings have different beliefs and working cultures, not just in Sabah or Malaysia but anywhere in the world. People have the right to choose, and being born of the same mother does not mean we are all alike. So what’s the problem?” he said.
