BONGAWAN – GRS candidate for N.30 Bongawan, Tan Sri Anifah Aman has dismissed personal attacks against him as political sideshows insisting that voters are more concerned about long-standing development issues that demand serious leadership and practical solutions.
Speaking during a walkabout and community dialogue in Papar on Monday, Anifah said it was unsurprising that election season had triggered a wave of insinuations about his wealth and business background.
But he stressed that such attacks were neither new nor meaningful to the people whose daily lives remain affected by infrastructure delays and economic stagnation.
“I have nothing to hide and nothing to explain. Anyone can say anything during elections.
“But voters are not interested in stories about my personal background they want to know whether their roads will be fixed, whether water will run, whether their children will have better opportunities,” he said.
The former foreign minister, who previously served Bongawan when the constituency fell under his parliamentary area, said he chose to run for the state seat this time because he believes the area requires a representative who can negotiate effectively with both state and federal authorities.
“Bongawan needs someone who can pick up the phone, call the right agencies, and make things happen. That’s the plain truth. This is not a time for small politics; it’s a time for strong representation,” he said.
Anifah also appeared to take a subtle swipe at his opponents, saying it was easy to claim credit for minor community initiatives while ignoring deep-rooted structural issues that remain unresolved.
“Giving out small grants or one-off assistance is not development. Development is when families no longer have to worry about unstable water supply, when villages are connected by proper roads, when the local economy can grow on its own strength,” he said.
He added that his experience in government both domestically and internationally has taught him that the most impactful progress often requires negotiating, securing investments, and leveraging networks that “go beyond political showmanship.”
“Anyone can talk about helping the people. But to actually bring in investment, to push ministries, to fight for allocations that requires a different level of capability,” he said.
According to Anifah, conversations with residents during the campaign have reinforced one key sentiment: the people are tired of political noise and internal party drama. What they want, he said, is a representative who can deliver tangible improvements.
“The people of Bongawan are tired of waiting. They are tired of excuses. They want someone who can solve real problems, not someone who disappears between election cycles,” he said.
He noted that Bongawan’s challenges are not new, water disruptions, patchy roads, inconsistent electricity supply, lack of youth opportunities, and ageing classrooms have been raised for more than a decade.
“What voters want now is momentum. They want change that is visible. They want someone who can champion them strongly at the state level,” he said.
Responding directly to the accusations about his wealth, Anifah dismissed them as a “tired tactic” often deployed when opponents lack clear development plans.
“I have worked hard all my life, and I am grateful for what God has blessed me with. But this election is not about my wealth. It is about whether Bongawan will continue to lag behind or finally move forward,” he said.
He added that personal attacks do not build roads, do not bring water to villages and do not uplift youth.
“What will change Bongawan is leadership, collaboration, strategy and the willingness to push hard for allocations,” he added.
With Sabah’s 17th state election just days away, Bongawan has emerged as a constituency to watch with voters weighing whether to stick with the status quo or opt for a former federal minister with national-level influence.
Local observers note that the contest is a test of whether voters prioritise continuity or seek a fresh push for larger-scale reforms and development.
For Anifah, the choice is clear.
“Everything I am doing is for the people, not myself. If the voters give me the mandate, I will ensure Bongawan does not remain trapped in small politics. It deserves better, and I intend to deliver better,” he said. -MalayaDailyToday
