Indie candidate: I've known Mat Sabu for years, can ask for projects

SANDAKAN POLLS | Hamzah Abdullah, who is contesting the Sandakan by-election as an independent candidate, said he can ask Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu for projects in the state constituency.

This, he adds, is because they have known each other for many years.

“Mohamad Sabu could call me and I could ask for projects bah. I have known him for 30 years,” said the former Sabah Amanah chairperson, as reported by the New Straits Timestoday.

He also said he is contesting as an independent because he refuses to be tied down by any one party and wants to fight for the people of Sandakan.

Hamzah even teared up while speaking about his "genuine" struggle for the rights of the people of Sandakan.

"The power is with the people on May 11. If you choose me, InsyaAllah (God willing) I will gadai nyawa (give my life away) to defend the rights of the rakyat.

"I don’t care whether you are Chinese, Malay, Indian, or Kadazandusun, as long as you are Sabahan, I will fight for you.

"I will not join any party and will stay independent. I will fight because I know the people’s problems. Every day, they come to me complaining about their hardships. If I only wanted what’s best for my personal interests, I would have stayed in Pakatan Harapan for a long time," he said.

Amanah had released a statement on nomination day itself saying Hamzah had quit the party a day before.

The independent candidate said he was funding his campaign with his own money and had refused any external financial assistance.

He also criticised DAP's decision to field Vivian Wong, the daughter of the late incumbent Sandakan MP Stephen Wong.

"When (Parti Bersatu Sabah vice-president) Linda Tsen became the candidate for Batu Sapi parliament by-election to replace her late husband, they (Harapan) said it was nepotism and cronyism.

"If you’ve commented about these, then you should not do it so people respect (you)… There are many other candidates.

"Wong’s nomination is not based on her quality as a fighter, but to gain the sympathy of the people," he said.

Hamzah is contesting in a five-cornered fight in the Sandakan by-election against DAP's Wong, PBS' Tsen and two other independent candidates.

The Sandakan by-election was triggered after Stephen passed away on March 28. Polling is set to be held on May 11. - Mkini