In the lead-up to the Sabah state election, Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Yusri Abu, contesting the DUN Sungai Manila seat, has emphasized that his primary focus will be on improving water supply, electricity, and street lighting if elected. Yusri highlighted that many residents in the area continue to face disruptions in essential services, which affect their daily lives.
The contest in Sungai Manila is notably competitive, with six candidates vying for the seat. Alongside Yusri Abu, contenders include representatives from Parti Islam Sabah (PIS), WARISAN, Barisan Nasional (BN), Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PPRS), and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). The diverse field underscores the challenge each candidate faces in securing voter support.
Sungai Manila, one of the 13 additional constituencies approved in 2019, has 18,217 registered voters. With infrastructure issues such as irregular water and electricity supply and insufficient street lighting, candidates focusing on these basic needs may resonate strongly with local residents who prioritize improvements in daily life.
Political analysts note that in a multi-cornered fight like this, emphasizing essential services could give candidates a strategic edge, especially among voters seeking tangible solutions rather than broader political rhetoric. The election outcome in this constituency may therefore signal the importance Sabah voters place on practical infrastructure development.
