Johor: Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Kunak state seat in the 17th Sabah state election, Datuk Seri Dr Anil Sandhu, received his Professional Master’s Degree in Political Studies at the UTMSPACE graduation ceremony held in Johor yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anil, 40, said his two-year academic journey at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (UTMSPACE) came with various challenges, including a demanding schedule that resulted in his convocation being postponed to this year. ‘There were those who doubted my academic qualifications and asked me to produce certificates or proof to satisfy their concerns and verify the truth,’ he said in a statement.

Anil stated that despite the criticism, he remained composed, adding that not everything needs to be explained or proven to others. He also expressed his appreciation to the professors and lecturers who supported him throughout his postgraduate studies.

On the ongoing state election campaign, Anil urged voters in Kunak to evaluate candidates based on facts. ‘I hope the people of Kunak can judge for themselves. Throughout the campaign, I have never belittled my opponents or touched on their personal matters. Everything I stated was factual,’ he said.

Anil is contesting a six-cornered fight for the Kunak state seat, which has 24,854 registered voters. The Election Commission (SPR) has set Nov 29 as polling day for the state election, while early voting is being held today.