Kota kinabalu: The trend of support for the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for the Merotai state seat, Datuk Ruji Ubi, is reportedly growing, according to observations in the constituency over the past six months, as stated by PH secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin emphasized that Ruji’s main advantage over his opponent, Parti Warisan Sabah’s incumbent Sarifuddin Hata, is his close relationship with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. At a political talk at the Hotspring district voting centre in Jalan Air Panas, Saifuddin urged the 24,000 voters in Merotai not to overlook Ruji, who is listed as number four on the ballot.

Saifuddin highlighted Ruji’s extensive administrative experience as a key reason for his candidacy. He noted Ruji’s role as secretary-general of the Education Ministry, where he managed an allocation of RM60 billion, overseeing 12,000 schools, five million students, and 400,000 teachers. Saifuddin argued that if Ruji could manage such responsibilities, he would excel as the Merotai assemblyman.

Additionally, Saifuddin mentioned Ruji’s tenure as the Home Ministry’s secretary-general, where he managed 13,000 police officers, 18,000 immigration officials, 14,000 national registration department officials, 70,000 People’s Volunteer Corps members, and 10,000 Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency personnel, with an allocation of RM21 billion. Saifuddin advised Merotai voters to select a candidate who can effectively collaborate with the Prime Minister and Federal Government.

Saifuddin also announced that the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Merotai Open Hall on Nov 26 to meet with local residents. The Merotai constituency, part of the Kalabakan parliamentary area, includes Tanjung Batu, Kukusan, and Sebatik. Voters in Sabah will cast their ballots on Nov 29, with early voting set for tomorrow, Nov 25.