GABUNGAN Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) candidate for the Kunak state seat, Datuk Norazlinah Arif, has pledged to press on with the district’s ongoing development blueprint if returned to office, saying two terms as assemblywoman have already brought visible progress and economic uplift to local communities.
“Our focus is to continue the development plans for the Kunak district,” she said, outlining a steady, continuity-driven approach rather than grand promises.
“There is no extravagant manifesto, other than ensuring everything in the Kunak strategic plan is fully implemented. Among them is ensuring the sports complex can be fully utilised by the youths here, as well as the community hall we have long envisioned.”
Norazlinah added that she is determined to elevate Kunak’s tourism potential, arguing that the district should not remain merely “a midpoint between Tawau and Semporna.”
“We know Semporna is already overflowing with tourists, so Kunak too offers attractive tourism spots.
“We therefore need proper facilities to ensure tourism can be activated. This includes ensuring that the Pan Borneo Highway proceeds smoothly so that economic spillovers can be felt by Kunak residents. The newest project we are awaiting is the implementation of Bandar Baru Kunak, which will certainly create more job opportunities for our youth,” she said.
In Tawau, Balung GRS candidate Syed Ahmad Syed Abas said his campaign is anchored in tackling the persistent basic-amenities crisis that continues to burden residents, chiefly issues of water supply, electricity, roads and street lighting.
After more than a week of canvassing, he said it is clear these long-standing concerns remain the electorate’s top frustrations.
“The issues in Balung are water, electricity, roads and street lights, which fall under the Federal government,” he said. “Resolving them is not easy, but the state government also has long-term plans.”
Syed Ahmad said he has devised short-term measures to ease water disruptions in the most affected pockets of the constituency.
“It will not be perfect, but there are ways to reduce the pressure of this water issue in the near future, insya-Allah,” he told residents during a visit to Kampung Ranggu.
However, he noted that street lighting and parts of the road network would depend on Federal agencies.
“Street lights fall under Federal authority, not the state. Some roads are also under the Federal government. If the road is under the state, we identify the damage first. Often it is repair, damage, repair again… but rarely does anyone ask why it keeps happening. That is the question,” he said.
A first-time candidate, Syed Ahmad said his confidence stems not from political experience but from work principles built on completing tasks diligently.
“When I enter a competition or take on a job, I will do my best until it is done. That is my way,” he said.
On his prospects, he expressed optimism in the strength of the GRS machinery and support from several influential figures.
“I am confident with the backing of former Balung assemblyman Datuk Hamild; Datuk Nizam; and also my own father, Datuk Seri Panglima Syed Abbas Syed Ali. We have strategies to win over voters.”
He emphasised that the voices of young people will not be sidelined.
“Youths are drawn to sports, education and job opportunities. To win their support, there are steps to take. We think step by step,” he said, noting that GRS has a structured plan to ensure youth needs in Balung receive priority attention.
“Insya-Allah, I will try my very best to win the hearts of the people of Balung,” he said. - November 28, 2025
