Kota kinabalu: In the midst of the 17th Sabah State Election campaign, the soft thump of a stethoscope and the quiet hum of a blood pressure monitor may not be the kind of spectacle that grabs headlines. Yet behind this simple approach lies a method that may resonate more deeply with voters through personal interaction and genuine concern during this election.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal, 38, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for the Tanjung Batu state seat, has turned his medical background into a powerful campaign tool. He offers basic health checks directly to residents through a door-to-door health visit programme, intertwining his profession with his political aspirations.
Previously serving as the director of Lahad Datu Hospital, Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal emphasized that if elected, he plans to establish a mobile health team. This team would conduct basic checks such as blood pressure screenings, medication reviews, and provide advisory services. He aims to prioritize the community’s health alongside infrastructure and economic growth in Tanjung Batu.
Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal, who is facing a five-cornered race in Tanjung Batu, expressed the importance of physiotherapy in his plans, noting that teaching caregivers to conduct exercises at home is crucial for those who find hospital visits challenging.
Meanwhile, Dr Elmiariezan Ardan, 35, the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Apas state seat, aligns his campaign with health and welfare priorities. He has been actively visiting homes in the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) Batu 8, conducting health screenings, medication reviews, and addressing welfare concerns.
Dr Elmiariezan, who operates a health clinic in Tawau, stated his commitment to continue providing initial health check-ups and community care if elected. His long-standing involvement in community health has been a cornerstone of his campaign, reinforcing his dedication to staying connected with the community.
Tanjung Batu and Apas are key constituencies in the upcoming elections, with Tanjung Batu falling under the Kalabakan Parliamentary constituency and Apas within the Tawau Parliamentary constituency. The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 25 for early voting and Nov 29 for polling day. EC data indicates that 1,784,843 voters are eligible to participate in this election.