KOTA SAMARAHAN – Abang Abdul Halil Abang Naili, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Kota Samarahan parliamentary seat, is hoping to take down incumbent Datuk Rubiah Wang of Gabungan Parti Sarawak in a straight fight as the nation heads to the polls this Saturday.
The former Public Works Department civil engineer said he was determined to increase the number of parliamentary seats for the PH coalition while having the interests of the locals at heart.
“Firstly, having a strong federal government with the right people holding the reins of power is important,” said the Leeds University alumnus, who is a father of ten.
“When the central government is firmly established, everything else will fall in place where the states are concerned, including Sabah and Sarawak. This election is not about picking a state leader but the most capable prime minister for the country, and he is (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim.”
“I am determined to pit my strength to win P197 (Kota Samarahan) as best as I can so that there will be one more parliamentary seat from Sarawak to add to the final tally at the central level.”
The Amanah member admitted it would be a tough contest but was satisfied with his campaign so far.
“It is a large area with 31 polling districts and a total of more than 82,000 registered voters,” he said.
“In my campaign strategy, I have highlighted to the electorate the importance of changes in mindset and breaking away from the cycle of poverty. A good part of the electorate here are farmers and factory workers. They need to innovate, be creative, and accept change as something positive instead of being ensconced in their old mundane way of thinking and hoping for handouts.”
Citing an example, he said: “A pineapple farmer here spends 14 months tending to his crop till it fruits. Eventually, he sells three fruits at only RM10 while the fruits fetch higher prices at the retail centres. This is a reason why I also highlighted basic business skills training and micro-credit financing and support for them in my campaigning.”
On the need for better infrastructure in the area, Abang Abdul Halil said he has been highlighting the need to move industries away from urban centres like Kuching to semi-urban areas like Kota Samarahan.
“This kind of de-centralisation will help create jobs for the locals. There is plenty of land in places like Kota Samarahan where SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises) can be established and improve the people’s economic life.”
Abang Abdul Halil, whose interest in politics was kindled during his university days, said there was a great need for human development.
“I may be small in my candidacy, but in a contest, there are always ‘little Davids’ who can turn out to be giant-killers,” he quipped.
Abang Abdul Halil will take on Rubiah, a member of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, when the country goes to the polls this Saturday. – The Vibes, November 17, 2022
