Kuala lumpur: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate Datuk Redonah Bahanda, who will contest the Bandau state seat in the 17th State Election later this month, says differing political views within her family are not a source of division but a sign of maturity and harmony in politics. The Wanita GRS deputy chief, making her electoral debut, said maintaining family ties remains her priority even though her two brothers are contesting under different banners.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Redonah emphasized the importance of family bonds, stating that despite representing different parties, relationships must be preserved. Her brothers - Datuk Wetrom Bahanda of Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), the incumbent for Bandau, and Verdon Bahanda, who is expected to run as an independent in Tanjong Kapor - will also be contesting in the election.
Redonah admitted the situation brings its share of pressure but said loyalty and responsibility to her party remain her focus. She mentioned the importance of campaigning with respect and maintaining good relations with both family and the community, highlighting that in Sabah, people can still sit together even when they're from different parties.
Redonah also expressed gratitude to GRS chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for empowering more women candidates in the upcoming election. She stated that she represents the voices of women from all 73 divisions in Sabah, not only GRS members but all women who want to see female leaders in state administration.
Hajiji earlier announced that GRS will contest 55 of 73 state seats in the Nov 29 polls, with nominations set for this Saturday. Meanwhile, GRS candidate for Sungai Manila, Hazem Mubarak Musa, said he aims to continue the legacy of Tun Sakaran Dandai by addressing infrastructure issues such as roads and water supply in the constituency.
Hazem, who is Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman's son, said he has been active in politics for years, working closely with local communities, as his father has always emphasised hard work, serving the people, and listening to their concerns. However, he stressed that family connections are not a political advantage, noting that what matters most is the ability to work for the people, bring positive change, and improve lives in the constituency.