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KINABATANGAN: Claims that Lamag would be sidelined if represented by an opposition assemblyman are misleading and risk confusing voters, says Parti Warisan’s candidate for the state seat.

Mazliwati Abdul Malek Chua said the narrative that only government-aligned representatives could deliver development ignored the essential role played by a functioning opposition in championing the people’s interests.

“A strong opposition remains a powerful voice for the rakyat. That voice can pressure government agencies, particularly on long-standing infrastructure issues that have burdened the people of Lamag for years,” she said when met during a walkabout here.

She said the constituency continued to face unresolved problems involving roads, basic amenities and public facilities, many of which, she added, had either been overlooked or left unaddressed by previous leaders.

If given the mandate, Mazliwati said her first step would be to meet district-level heads of government agencies, including the District Officer, to ensure development projects were properly planned and implemented without delay.

“This is not about politics. It is about responsibility to the people. The rakyat of Lamag deserve safe and reliable infrastructure,” she said.

Addressing concerns over government assistance, Mazliwati rejected claims that aid would be withdrawn if voters elected an opposition representative, describing such remarks as an attempt to instil fear among the electorate.

“Government assistance will not stop. Aid is the responsibility of the government of the day and should never depend on who the elected representative is,” she said.

She added that all elected assemblymen take an oath before the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, committing themselves to serve the people regardless of political alignment.

“That oath carries accountability. Our duty is to ensure that governance at the local level functions properly for the benefit of the people,” she said.

On village leadership matters, Mazliwati said an opposition assemblyman does not have the authority to appoint village heads or Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) members, but said she was prepared to work with existing leaders for the good of the community.

She said Lamag and Kinabatangan had long been governed by peninsula-based parties, yet many grassroots complaints remained unresolved.

“It is time for a change — one that brings real improvement to the people,” she said.

Mazliwati is facing Barisan Nasional’s Mohd Ismail Ayob or Miha in the Lamag by-election.