Merotai: Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for Merotai, Datuk Ruji Ubi, has launched his manifesto for the 17th Sabah State Election, built around five core themes for the constituency’s development.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the manifesto, titled ‘Demi Merotai Sejahtera’ (For a Prosperous Merotai), focuses on education, the economy, healthcare, social well-being, as well as infrastructure. Ruji aims to transform Merotai into a Centre for Civilisation and Knowledge Development, addressing issues such as the lack of secondary schools, which require children to travel long distances to Tawau Town or Felda Umas.

On economic development, Ruji plans to create job and business opportunities for rural youth by collaborating with agencies like the Labour Department to host regular career fairs. For healthcare, he pledged to establish a haemodialysis centre in Merotai, easing the burden on patients who currently travel long distances for treatment.

Ruji also promised to convert the PH operations room in Tanah Merah into a permanent Merotai constituency service centre if elected. He proposed launching mobile service-centre operations in key localities to improve accessibility, bringing administrative services directly to residents.

In terms of infrastructure, Ruji committed to tangible upgrades, including solar-powered street lights, road repairs, improved drainage, and resolving clean water supply issues. He highlighted Merotai’s economic potential due to its strategic location, comparing it to thriving areas like Benoni and Papar.

Ruji emphasized that the upcoming state elections are crucial for Merotai’s future, advocating for drastic and radical change to address persistent issues and unlock the constituency’s potential. The Election Commission has set November 29 as the polling day, with early voting on November 25.