Sabah PKR delegate: No more 'divinely chosen' candidates for state polls

Summary

• Sabah PKR delegate Zaidi Jatil urges the party to select candidates based on integrity and public trust, not "divinely chosen" individuals.

• Zaidi emphasises that candidates must be hardworking, engaged with the people, and represent the party's values.

A Sabah PKR delegate urged the party leadership to end the practice of fielding “divinely chosen” candidates or individuals unfamiliar to the public in the upcoming Sabah state election.

Zaidi Jatil said the selection of candidates should instead be based on their integrity, public trust, and a genuine commitment to serving the people.

“We don’t want any more so-called divinely chosen candidates - people we don’t know, people the rakyat doesn’t know - suddenly being fielded for the Sabah polls.

“Candidates must have qualities that make them loved by the people, trusted, and hardworking. They must be present on the ground, listening to grievances, and capable of leading the people toward progress, not just good at talking and giving hope, only to turn out to be empty vessels,” he said.

Debating PKR president Anwar Ibrahim’s policy speech at the party’s annual national congress at the Persada International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru today, Zaidi (above) stressed that a party’s victory hinges on offering credible leadership.

“In the end, our winning strategy hinges on who we offer to the people. Who will be the candidates for the Sabah state election?”

Remain disciplined

He further reminded the party that a candidate is more than just a party symbol.

“A candidate must represent the true values of our struggle - defending ethnic and religious diversity and carrying the aspirations of the Sabah people,” he said.

Zaidi also called on PKR leaders and members to remain disciplined and magnanimous ahead of the state election.

“If you’re not selected as a candidate, we must still ensure that Keadilan rises and wins in Sabah. Don’t sulk, don’t walk away. We must prioritise the party,” he added.

Zaidi said the Sabah polls would serve as a critical test of the party’s strength and unity in pushing for change in the state.

The 17th Sabah state election must be held on or before Dec 8.

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