Tenom: Independent candidate for the Melalap seat, Gabriel George Tulas, is confident that he can offer an alternative leadership that is closer to the people, built on the principle of being free from political party interests.
Gabriel said his decision to contest as an independent candidate stems from the awareness that many issues in Melalap require immediate action and continuous monitoring, particularly those involving basic infrastructure and the welfare of rural communities.
“There are still areas struggling with road access, clean water supply, and telecommunications coverage. Therefore, I want to ensure that these matters receive top priority if I am entrusted with the responsibility of becoming the people’s representative,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of creating new economic opportunities for youth, farmers and small entrepreneurs through skills development programmes and better-structured support for village-based enterprises.
He said the people now want a representative who is easily approachable and consistently present on the ground, not someone who only appears during election season.
Therefore, he pledged to practise a “constant ground engagement” approach to ensure the voices of Melalap residents are heard and brought to higher levels.
Gabriel also urged voters in Melalap to evaluate candidates based on real capability and commitment, not merely by party affiliation, to ensure more balanced development in the area.
