Kota Kinabalu: Independent candidate for Inanam, Datuk Dr Roland Chia (Chia), said an extensive development plan focusing on administrative reform, economic growth, flood mitigation and youth development was his motivation for running.
He also said his decision was at the request of the people.
Based on his previous years as an assemblyman and long service in Inanam, he was urged to return as an independent candidate.
“People have known me for 12 years. They know I understand their issues on the ground,” he said, adding that even villagers in Telipok, now under Karambunai, continued to seek his assistance.
One of his main priorities is to establish a District Office or Municipal Council for Inanam.
He said the area, with an estimated population of nearly 200,000, including dependents, is currently underserved, as residents must travel long distances to access basic services provided by City Hall, the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS).
“Imagine residents from Menggatal having to drive all the way to Putatan just to settle JKR matters. It can take two hours. This is too burdensome,” he said.
Chia has proposed establishing a One-Stop Secretariat that would house the District Office, Municipal Council, JKR, JPS and other relevant agencies to facilitate public access to essential services.
He also intends to elevate the constituency’s economy by integrating its industrial, agricultural and tourism sectors through strategic partnerships.
Inanam’s diverse landscape, he said, allows its urban and rural communities to support one another’s economic activities.
Chia reiterated his commitment to Sabah’s rights under the 40 per cent special grant and MA63, calling it his first manifesto.
As an independent, he said all allocations channelled to him will be used directly for infrastructure development across the constituency.
Regarding infrastructure challenges, he said flood mitigation remains a top concern.
He explained that during his previous term, he raised the issue in the State Assembly, resulting in the inclusion of a flood retention project in the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“Work has begun on a retention pond in Telipok Ria, complete with pumping systems to control water flow.
“These developments do not happen on their own. Someone must voice them at the right platform,” he said.
Chia also announced plans to establish a Youth Education Fund to help families send their children to universities outside Sabah.
Many students, he said, receive offers in states such as Johor, Perlis and Selangor, but parents often struggle with travel and accommodation costs.
“I want parents to no longer borrow money just to bring their children to university,” he said, adding that he plans to involve local companies in contributing to the fund through a transparent reporting system.
He stressed that the programme will be open to all B40 families, including the Chinese community in Kolombong, who have sought his help.
For youths not pursuing university education, Chia plans to provide free placements at Akademi Binaan Malaysia (ABM).
A permanent ABM campus is being developed in Bagan. It will offer training in trades such as heavy machinery operation, gas and water pipe welding, mechanical and electrical work, and scaffolding.
He said ABM graduates can earn between RM3,000 and RM4,000 in Pan Borneo projects, with the potential to reach RM5,000 to RM6,000 over time.
He also plans to secure placements with Sabah’s oil and gas companies, where salaries can reach RM5,000 to RM7,000.
“We must ensure our youths get high-impact, skilled jobs, not minimum wage work,” he said.
Chia said his overall mission is to deliver practical solutions for Inanam if voters give him a renewed mandate.
“The people need a leader with a clear game plan. With the experience I have, I can continue serving effectively,” he added.
