BARISAN Nasional (BN) candidate for the Lumadan state seat, Datuk Mohd Nazri Abdullah, has vowed to return his legislative salary to constituents if elected in the 17th Sabah General Election this Saturday, in a move aimed at reinforcing public trust and community engagement.
Speaking to around 1,000 attendees at the FELCRA Madani Santuni Rakyat@Lumadan programme, in Beaufort, Sabah, Nazri said, “If elected, my salary as a representative will be returned to the people of Lumadan.”
He also promised that more than 100 positions under the control of the state assemblyman would be distributed with a focus on local youth, women, and existing community leaders.
“I understand that under the ADUN there are more than 100 positions. Thirty per cent will go to young people, 18 years and above, another 30 per cent to women, and the remaining 40 per cent to existing leaders,” he said.
Highlighting Lumadan’s recurring flood problems, Nazri requested that the constituency be designated as a “fostered area” under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development to ensure prioritised support during disasters.
“Lumadan frequently floods, and NADMA (National Disaster Management Agency) often assists us. Lumadan experiences six to seven floods a year. I propose that Lumadan be adopted under the ministry if the constituency returns a seat to BN in order for us to govern Sabah again,” he said.
Also present at the event, Deputy Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi pledged the gradual elimination of FELCRA development debts for less viable projects nationwide over the next five years, contingent on maintaining the company’s financial stability.
“I am responsible for ensuring not just profits for FELCRA, but benefits for FELCRA settlers as a whole. Requests to forgive debts are fully supported on a phased basis. Do not burden the people with debts arising from past losses,” he said.
Zahid added the need for flood mitigation projects in Beaufort and stressed that solving Sabah’s so-called “three trifecta” of infrastructure issues—water, electricity, and roads—would attract high-quality investment and create local employment opportunities.
“If these three issues are resolved within five years, investors will come and invest heavily in Sabah, generating employment. We prioritise young people in Sabah.
“There are 169,800 unemployed youth in the state,” he said.
He also encouraged Sabah’s youth to pursue Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), noting that certification can yield competitive starting salaries without the need for traditional university pathways.
“With a MARA Level Three Skills Certificate, employers will offer RM2,500 as a starting salary. For Malaysia Skills Certificate (SKM) Level Four, RM3,500. Level Five, RM5,000.
“No need for conventional college or university routes. TVET provides better opportunities,” Zahid said, underlining the programme’s role in boosting local economic participation. - November 26, 2025
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