Papar: Backed by extensive experience in the public and corporate sectors, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah candidate for the Pantai Manis state seat, Datuk Pengiran Saifuddin Pengiran Tahir, is offering a more realistic and holistic approach to drive development in the constituency. The former Sabah Economic Development Corporation group general manager said the fast-changing development landscape in Pantai Manis requires leadership that not only understands the people's needs but also plans and manages growth in an orderly and sustainable manner.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pengiran Saifuddin intends to leverage his 40-year career, which includes several key positions in various organisations, to unlock Pantai Manis' vast economic and educational potential. He emphasized that Pantai Manis is developing rapidly and has tremendous potential, especially in entrepreneurship, education, and human capital. This must be harnessed to ensure it is fully optimised for the benefit of the area, particularly the younger generation.
Pengiran Saifuddin stated that his focus will be on the people's well-being, provision of basic infrastructure and agriculture, as well as assessing the need for sports and recreational facilities if given the mandate in the 17th Sabah state election. He previously served as deputy chief executive officer of Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park from 1997 to 2010 and as managing director of the Sabah Urban Development Corporation for three years.
He believes the economic prospects of Papar, synonymous with cottage industry products such as kuih cincin, belacan (shrimp paste), and kelupis (glutinous rice rolls), can be further strengthened to expand market access. Papar has several iconic products that he feels are already of very high standards. In the fisheries sector, there is also an abundance of fresh marine resources, requiring careful planning to ensure Papar's potential is fully reinforced.
Additionally, Pengiran Saifuddin highlighted that Papar now has two fast-growing townships, including the Benoni area, which is expanding rapidly next to the Pan Borneo Highway and has its own pull factors to drive continuous growth. He also aims to ensure that Papar's old town area receives due attention by positioning it as one of the main tourism attractions in the district, located about 40 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu.
He noted that the old town, located near the river, has a distinct character that could attract more visitors amid growing interest in historical destinations. Citing the old town of Kyoto, Japan, famed for its traditional wooden shophouses, as inspiration, he suggested that a similar heritage-based attraction could be developed in Papar. Proper development planning, including the provision of facilities, would be necessary to make the old town livelier, with a designated trail to facilitate visitor exploration.
Pantai Manis is one of the state constituencies under the Papar parliamentary constituency, alongside Limbahau and Kawang, with a total of 20,026 ordinary voters eligible to cast their ballots in this Saturday's state election.