Kunak: Using the slogan Kunak Mesti Maju (Kunak Must Progress), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for the 17th Sabah State Election, Datuk Norazlinah Arif, announced that the district is set to have a new township expected to be completed within the next two years. The incumbent candidate highlighted that a ground-breaking ceremony for the township has already occurred, with the project anticipated to generate job opportunities for young people in Kunak.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Norazlinah emphasized the Sabah government’s initiatives, mentioning that Sawit Kinabalu has established a plant, Kunak Lipids Sdn Bhd, which is poised to offer employment opportunities for the youth in the area. She conveyed these insights at a mega ceramah (political talk) programme held at the Kampung Pangi hall, Mini Estet Sejahtera.

Norazlinah, 48, pointed out that the GRS-led government has effectively broadened economic prospects for Kunak’s residents, observing a rapid increase in supermarket establishments across the district. She noted that the GRS manifesto is dedicated to the continuation of all ongoing state development plans.

Addressing societal perceptions, she refuted stereotypes about women being overly sensitive, emotional, or fussy, asserting that such views are mere perceptions. “Women are not fragile, but we are empathetic. We are not emotional but passionate and we are not fussy but meticulous,” she stated.

Norazlinah further emphasized the trust the people of Kunak have placed in women leaders, showcasing their ability to handle responsibilities as effectively as men. She expressed her belief that the qualities inherent in women can foster strong leadership, voicing her confidence in Sabah’s potential to cultivate many more female leaders.

Kunak, located approximately 500 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, holds a constituency with 24,854 registered voters and falls under the Lahad Datu parliamentary constituency, along with Tungku, Segama, and Silam. The state polls are scheduled for November 29, with early voting set for November 25.