Focus on Development as Gum-Gum Eyes Balanced Growth

8 September 2025

SANDAKAN: Basic infrastructure and socio-economic development remain pressing concerns in Gum-Gum, where villagers continue to highlight the need for better roads, access to clean water, quality education and wider economic opportunities for youth and women.

Despite its potential, much of Gum-Gum still lags behind, prompting calls for stronger representation to ensure that every village benefits from the State Government’s development agenda under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

Nominated Assemblyman Datuk Jaffari Waliam, who is also a Supreme Council Member of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), has voiced his commitment to championing these issues should he be given the mandate to contest in the 17th Sabah State Election (PRN).

“Gum-Gum has great potential, but there remain many basic issues that need urgent attention. I want to ensure development reaches every village regardless of background,” he said, adding that his focus would be on community welfare and building Gum-Gum into a stronghold for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

He also expressed hope that GRS would be given the chance to contest the seat, describing it as vital for strengthening the coalition’s position in the State Government.

Speaking after presenting Special Aid from the Nominated Assemblyman to villagers in Ulu Dusun Batu 30 yesterday, Jaffari affirmed his readiness to shoulder the responsibility if entrusted by party leadership. “Our election machinery is already on standby to ensure this seat is won back by GRS,” he added.

During the programme, 115 villagers received food baskets, four families were provided with 60 zinc sheets, while one household received 10 pieces of plywood to repair their home. Beneficiaries came from villages including Sungai Kapor, Desa Menanti, Kitagas, Pangkalan Batu 16 and Ulu Dusun, with the cooperation of Gagasan Rakyat branch leaders.

Citing the track record of the GRS–PH Plus Government, which has focused on reforms, prudent financial management and people-centred initiatives, Jaffari expressed confidence that Gum-Gum could be wrested back from Parti Warisan.

The seat is currently held by Arunarnsin Taib of Parti Warisan, who narrowly secured victory in the last election with a majority of 269 votes in a six-cornered fight.