Merotai: The Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate, Datuk Ruji Ubi, is being presented as a competent candidate capable of implementing reform in Sabah, as he contests for the Merotai state seat in the 17th Sabah State Election.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, PH secretary-general, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, emphasized Ruji’s experience and educational background, highlighting his roots in Merotai as a significant advantage in understanding the constituency’s affairs. Saifuddin urged voters in Merotai to seize the opportunity to elect Ruji as their representative, noting his extensive experience in public service.

Ruji’s career includes serving as an administrative and diplomatic officer, and he has held prominent positions such as director-general of the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU), and secretary-general of strategic ministries including the Ministry of National Unity, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Education. Saifuddin argued that Ruji’s success would facilitate communication a
nd cooperation between the public and government administration.

Ruji highlighted the importance of the youth vote, noting that 50 percent of Merotai’s voters are under the age of 40. He stressed the need to address employment and business opportunities for young people and expressed his ability to bring youth issues directly to the Prime Minister. Additionally, Ruji acknowledged ongoing concerns about village gazetting and native customary land issues.

Merotai, situated approximately 300 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, is one of three state seats within the Kalabakan parliamentary constituency, alongside Tanjung Batu and Setabik.