Tuaran: Tamparuli Assemblyman Datuk Jahid Jahim, who is physically restricted due to health problem, has described Datuk Joniston Bangkuai’s selection as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for the Tuaran parliamentary seat as most apt.
Conveying Jahid’s opinion on Joniston’s candidacy, his wife Datin Malianah Ugau said his husband is following closely the going ons in the election.
“JJ (Jahid) sees Joniston as the best candidate to represent Tuaran,” she said at a ceramah in support of Joniston at Kampung Bontoi, here.
Malianah, who heads the central and Tamparuli PBS Women’s Movement, said her husband was closely monitoring what was going on and even watched the live broadcast of the candidacy announcement.
When Joniston’s name was called, she said Jahid was happy that he even sent text emojis indicating gratitude, well done, and the ‘bersatu’ party chant in response to the announcement.
“Jahid knows what is in the best interest of the people, even though he may not be able to be physically be on the ground.
“He never stops pushing and encouraging the Tamparuli party division to put in a lot of effort to make sure GRS candidate Joniston wins the Tuaran seat. This is the position that he (Jahid) takes,” added Malianah.
Meanwhile, Joniston extended his respect and admiration to Jahid, whom he considered to be a dedicated leader and true friend.
He then called on supporters in Tamparuli and Kiulu – two mainly Kadazandusun majority state seats in Tuaran constituency - to close gap to ensure GRS wins a landslide victory.
“The victory will be a gift for Jahid. We must keep praying for his complete recovery so that he can return to his duties as Minister and to the people,” he said.
The Kiulu assemblyman stressed the significance of taking control of the Tuaran parliament seat as GRS-Barisan Nasional already holds all four state seats that make up Tuaran constituency.
The other two state seats are Sulaman and Dalit with Muslim majorities.
Joniston is facing a six-cornered battle against incumbent Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau (Pakatan Harapan), Jo-Anna Sue Henley Rampas (Warisan); Muminin Kalingkong @Norbinsha (Parti Pejuang Tanah Air); Bobby Lewat (independent), and Datuk Noortaip Suhaili (independent).
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