GE15: Physically restricted, Jahid still supports his friend Joniston to win

TUARAN: Physically restricted due to a health problem, Tamparuli assemblyman Datuk Jahid Jahim is still fully supporting his friend, Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, to win the Tuaran parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election (GE15).

Conveying the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president's stand on Joniston's candidacy, Jahid's wife Datin Malianah Ugau said her husband was following closely the goings-on in the election and described the selection of the PBS information chief as a Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate as most apt.

"Jahid knows what is in the best interest of the people although he may not be able to be physically on the ground.

"He never stops pushing and encouraging the PBS Tamparuli division to put in a lot of effort to ensure that the GRS candidate Joniston wins the Tuaran seat. This is the position that he (Jahid) takes," she said in her speech at an event supporting Joniston at Kampung Bontoi, here, today.

Malianah, who is also the PBS Women's chief, said her husband even watched the live broadcast of the candidacy announcement, and when Joniston's name was called, Jahid was happy that he even texted emojis indicating gratitude, well done, and the party's chant in response to the announcement.

Besides Tamparuli and Kiulu, the other State Legislative Assembly seats in the Tuaran parliamentary constituency are Pantai Dalit held by Jasnih Daya from UMNO under Barisan Nasional (BN), and Sulaman held by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor from Bersatu under GRS.

Jahid, fondly known as 'JJ', is also state Rural Development Minister, and on Aug 27 he was rushed to Pitas Hopital after fainting when officiating at an event related to water supply. He was believed to be experiencing extreme fatigue from carrying out his duties.

GRS comprises Bersatu, PBS, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) which established cooperation with BN to administer the state.

Meanwhile, Joniston extended his respect and admiration for Jahid, who he considers to be a dedicated leader and true friend.

"The triumph will be a gift for Datuk Jahid. We must keep praying for his complete recovery so that he can return to his duties as minister and to the people," he said at the same event.

Joniston also stressed the significance of taking control of the Tuaran parliamentary seat as GRS and BN are already holding all four state seats that make up the constituency.

He is in a six-cornered battle against the incumbent who is United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangaun, representing Pakatan Harapan; Jo-Anna Sue Henley Rampas (Warisan); Muminin Kalingkong (Pejuang); and two independent candidates, Bobby Lewat and Datuk Noortaip Suhaili.

-- BERNAMA