Zaidi Jatil
KOTA MARUDU (Aug 26): Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) has made a pitch for Sabah youth leader Zaidi Jatil to be fielded as candidate for the Bandau seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election, with party leaders and grassroots members rallying behind his long-standing service and influence in the community.
This proposal took centre stage at the recent launch of the party’s election machinery for the constituency, which saw an unprecedented turnout of over 3,000 supporters, underscoring growing momentum on the ground.
Keadilan Sabah Women’s chief cum deputy national women’s chief, Datin Rufinah Pangeran, said the Bandau seat rightly belongs to Keadilan, citing the consistent grassroots work and leadership shown by Zaidi, who also leads the Kota Marudu division and serves as the party’s Sabah Youth chief.
“He is a young leader who has earned the trust of the people through years of community service. Bandau needs someone who understands its pulse and Zaidi has proven that he does,” she said in her address.
In his speech, Zaidi called on voters to be discerning in their choice of leaders, urging them to look beyond party labels and instead prioritise integrity, accountability and vision.
“It’s not about whether a party is local or national. It’s about the leader’s direction, values and sincerity in serving. The party is not to blame, but it is our responsibility if we choose the wrong leaders,” he stressed.
The event was officiated by Keadilan deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, who reiterated the party’s commitment to championing the voices of rural and marginalised Sabahans, ensuring no one is sidelined in the nation’s development narrative.
Keadilan Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim also highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing support for Sabah under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The state has been allocated RM6.7 billion in development funds for 2025, alongside a RM600 million special grant.
He noted that the RM4 billion Ulu Padas Dam project had also been approved, aiming to address Sabah’s water supply issues.
“A clean, corruption-free government means more savings for the people. These funds are being returned to the rakyat through direct aid like STR and SARA,” Muhammad Kamil said.
Programme director Winston @ Hassnal Majuning described the event as a powerful demonstration of unity and preparedness across all levels of Keadilan’s machinery namely Women, Youth and Division, signalling the party’s readiness to contest in Bandau.
“With the energy of reform driving our campaign, Keadilan Kota Marudu believes we are entering a new political era one built on values, social justice and the wellbeing of the people,” he said.
“This overwhelming support shows that the people of Bandau are ready for change and that change begins with our candidate, Zaidi Jatil,” he added.
Also present were several national and local leaders, including Izuan Kasim (deputy youth chief and assemblyman for Kota Damansara), Datuk Sangkar Rasam (vice chairman of Keadilan Sabah), Jamil Majingkin (UPKO Kota Marudu Chief), Ben Wong (DAP Kota Marudu chairman) and Salleh Jatil (deputy chief of Amanah Kota Marudu).
Datuk Wetrom Bahanda is the Bandau assemblyman. He quit Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia to join Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM).
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