TAWAU: Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) candidate for the Merotai State seat, Datuk Ruji Ubi, said he did not expect to lose in the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN17), but remains determined to continue serving the people of Merotai.
Ruji, who was the Prime Minister’s preferred candidate, described the outcome as surprising, noting that all five themes in his PRN17 manifesto were tailored to Merotai’s current needs and were fully feasible.
“We received very positive feedback from Merotai voters throughout the campaign. The five manifesto themes I presented were exactly what the residents needed.
“The issues highlighted were realistic and implementable, given my nearly 30 years of experience in planning, executing and monitoring development projects in the civil service,” he said.
Speaking to Daily Express in an exclusive interview, Ruji said he intends to remain in Merotai – his birthplace – to spend his retirement years with his family while continuing to assist the local community.
Although he can now only contribute on a smaller scale, especially in Kampung Sungai Haji Matahir, he said it is meaningful enough for him to continue serving at the grassroots.
“We accept this defeat because everything is determined by God. My thanks to the 4,839 voters who gave me their trust, as well as to all party machinery who worked tirelessly during the 14-day campaign.
“May we remain steadfast in carrying the reform agenda within the government or the party. I also thank the Prime Minister and all leaders who helped campaign in Merotai,” he said.
Touching on the State Government’s leadership under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Ruji expressed hope that longstanding issues involving clean water, electricity supply and roads will be resolved by 2030.
He also expressed confidence that the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Action Plan can be effectively carried out, noting the experience and continuity of the newly formed State Government.
Ruji lost to incumbent assemblyman Sarifuddin Hata (Warisan), who retained the Merotai seat with 8,855 votes – winning by a majority of 4,016. The other two candidates, Hasan Haris (Perikatan Nasional) and Reyme @ Rhyme Kassim (Parti Impian Sabah), garnered 1,288 and 231 votes, respectively.
