PETRA JAYA: Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud has offered some advice for his youngest daughter Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, who is one of Barisan Nasional’s new faces in the 14th General Election: “Serve the people with commitment and sincerity and always use religious teachings for guidance. If you have decided to join politics, the people must always come first.”
Hanifah, who will be contesting in Mukah parliamentary seat, said it was hard to avoid being in the spotlight given her father’s stature.
“He didn’t interfere much on my candidacy… He gave me his blessing after I was named (as the candidate) and advised me to put the welfare and wellbeing of the people as my top priority if I were to serve the constituency,” the 46-year-old said.
“I accept the responsibility and trust given by the BN leadership and insyaAllah I could carried out my duties as advised by my father,” she added.
Although certain quarters had labelled her as an “outsider candidate”, she is a familiar face to the people in Mukah.
“My father was the former Balingian assemblyman (a state seat under Mukah) and we have many close relatives and friends in the constituency, thus, I’m ready and looking forward to serve them,” she added.
Meanwhile, the youngest BN candidate Lukanisman Awang Sauni said his candidacy showed that the top leadership recognised the youth and was willing to give opportunities to the younger generations.
The 36-year-old, who was named as the candidate for Sibuti, promised to work hard to gain the support and win the seat for the BN.
“I will use this opportunity to explain and introduce the BN vision, particular those involving the youth and how we can move forward together,” he said.