DATUK Ghani Abdul Yassin, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for the Nabawan State Assembly, has highlighted land management and agricultural development as central pillars of his campaign to retain the constituency in the 17th Sabah General Election (PRN17) on Saturday.
Addressing voters in Kampung Nabawan, Ghani pointed out that overlapping land claims, lot measurements, and grant issuance had been key challenges during his five-year tenure, with over 60 per cent of cases successfully resolved.
“If the land issues are not resolved, efforts to boost the local economy here will not succeed. That is why we bring government agencies here to collaborate on agricultural initiatives that can generate income for rural communities,” he told Bernama.
He added that these efforts have created opportunities to strengthen the rural economy, particularly through farming projects.
Ghani cited the establishment of collection centres for palm oil and other cash crops, which allow farmers to sell their produce at market prices without intermediaries exploiting them.
“The remaining 40 per cent of the issues are very difficult to resolve. For example, communal land grants introduced during the Barisan Nasional government were later revoked by the Warisan government without proper study,” he explained.
Ghani expressed confidence in defending the Nabawan seat despite facing nine opponents, highlighting strong support from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) Nabawan.
“Almost all committee members and STAR members support me as the GRS candidate here; they have prepared a memorandum to continue backing the efforts we have made for the Nabawan community,” he said. STAR leaders, including Acting Chief Ami Talu, accompanied Ghani during campaigns in Nabawan and Pensiangan.
The candidate also advised party volunteers to avoid disputes over minor issues during the campaign, stressing that elections should not divide communities.
He recalled winning the Nabawan seat in the previous state election with a 2,238-vote majority in a four-cornered contest and described the heightened competition this year as part of the democratic process.
Located about 176 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, Nabawan is one of the interior constituencies under the Pensiangan parliamentary seat, with 23,379 registered voters expected to cast their ballots this Saturday. - November 27, 2025
