Felix (front row, fourth left) during the Jelajah Sabah First Tour at Kampung Gambaron, Telupid.

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 25): United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation’s (Upko) ‘Sabah First’ call and its eight-pillar manifesto form the backbone of the party’s 17th Sabah state election candidate for Telupid, Felix Joseph Saang.

The 51-year-old candidate is bidding to steer the constituency toward a more progressive future, setting his sights on lifting the interior district into a position of real visibility and relevance.

Felix, determined to build on Upko’s legacy, believes Telupid’s strategic location gives it natural potential to grow into a satellite hub, provided long-standing development gaps are finally addressed.

The Upko Youth chief said it was time for the district to evolve into a competitive and inclusive centre, with improvements in infrastructure, education, social mobility and economic opportunity forming the core of his agenda.

Customary land rights, long a concern for rural communities, top his manifesto.

He proposes a special committee to work closely with government agencies to expedite land grants, ensure fair ownership and settle village boundary issues transparently.

He said improving village roads, amenities and digital connectivity would follow, along with long-delayed upgrades to water and electricity supply, and pushing forward the establishment of a fire station.

Felix, who is also Upko Beluran chief, promises stronger community governance through fair appointments of village heads, and plans to spur grassroots entrepreneurship via cooperatives, women-focused programmes and talent development at the district level.

Economic empowerment features prominently, including designated commercial areas in each village and a planned collection centre for agricultural and livestock products.

Seeing Telupid as a natural fit for rural tourism, he said Tagal committees would be revitalised to develop local attractions, supported by an information centre showcasing the district’s history, culture and products.

Assistance for the elderly, the underprivileged and other vulnerable groups would be coordinated through a dedicated squad.

“Telupid sits at Sabah’s centre with immense potential, but development must be strengthened in a comprehensive and forward-looking way,” he said.

Felix faces an eight-way contest for the Telupid seat against Jonnybone J Kurum of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS); Jamin Jamri of Perikatan Nasional (PN); Simah Matusip of Parti Warisan (Warisan); Pagrios @ Petrus Zabang of Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM); Michel Alok of Parti Impian Sabah (PIS); Nilis Joseph of Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM); Jikmariya Muran of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku Sabah (STARSabah); and Benedict Asmat of Barisan Nasional (BN).

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