TAWAU: Kukusan Assemblywoman, Datuk Rina Jainal, who returned her seat as an independent candidate (tree symbol), has never hidden the fact that she is an independent – Government-Friendly and not bound to any party.
“Whoever forms the government, insha Allah, we will give our support for the sake of fulfilling my promises to the people during the campaign period and for the continuity of development in Kukusan,” she said.
She said she has been contacted by various parties congratulating her, but for now she wants to take some time off before making the best decision regarding her political direction.
What is certain, she said, is that she wants something in return for the solidarity shown by Kukusan voters who continued to support her, especially to bring better development and to help realise Sabah’s broader aspirations.
Commenting on her victory, Rina said she entrusted everything to Allah as she faced a tough 10-corner fight, including against major parties.
However, she was deeply moved by the strength of the ‘tree machinery’ despite the challenges of preparing in a short time after she was dropped as a candidate and had her membership suspended by her former party (PHRS – GRS) – leading her to resign and leave the party.
“The strength of their spirit is the real struggle and a blessing in my political journey to remain strong for the people of Kukusan and for our state,” she said, touched by the support from various layers of the community, including youths in the area.
Her victory, she added, is a sign of solidarity from people who are increasingly discerning in evaluating leaders who have been mistreated, and this time the voice of Kukusan truly showed at the ballot box.
She said she will continue working and serving the people of Kukusan as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation, and will proceed with plans she was unable to complete in the previous term.
In the 17th Sabah state election (PRU DU17), Rina won convincingly, increasing her majority to 650 votes compared to only 10 in the previous election when she defeated Chaya Sulaiman (BN-Umno) in PRN16.
She won with 3,490 votes, defeating her closest challenger, Ma’mun Sulaiman (Warisan), who is Chaya’s younger brother, with 2,840 votes.
Rina is among the five women candidates who won in PRU DU Sabah, alongside Datuk Julita Mojungki (GRS – Matunggong), Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Warisan – Usukan), Edna Jessica Majimbun (Warisan – Inanam) and Nurulalsah Hasan Alban (Warisan – Sungai Sibuga).
