Kota Kinabalu: Independent candidate for the Inanam seat, Datuk Dr Roland Chia, says he is prepared to support whichever government is formed after the state election, as long as the administration is transparent, righteous and committed to serving the people.
Chia, who left Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) on Nov 14, said he decided to contest as an independent purely at the request and encouragement of voters in Inanam.
He said following his resignation, he is legally barred from joining any political party due to the anti-hopping law.
“Because of the anti-hopping law, an independent elected representative cannot join any party. Once I decide to run as an independent, I cannot join any party. That is the Federal Constitution.
“But I can support the government of the day if it is righteous and works for the people,” he told Daily Express, Tuesday.
He said many residents — both in urban and rural areas — urged him to return, citing his visibility and service record during his previous term as an opposition assemblyman.
He also said voters have known him for 12 years, including five years as an assemblyman (2013-2018), two years with the Ministry of Works Malaysia and five years as political secretary at the Chief Minister’s Department.
On the ground, Chia said the main challenge was ensuring voters remain united in a crowded 13-cornered fight.
However, he remains confident of securing victory, pointing to his detailed understanding of long-standing local issues, including floods in Kolombong and Inanam, traffic congestion, village gazettement and infrastructure gaps.
“I know every village and every issue — whether it is roads, streetlights, drainage or land matters. The people want someone who can speak up and get things done,” he said, calling on voters to place their trust in him once again.
