KOTA KINABALU: A little-known independent candidate has left the Bugaya electorate in stitches as he has promised to build them a "golden road".
Jufazli Shi Ahmad @ Tongko who is contesting for the Bugaya state seat, said he just wanted to make an impression with the electorate, who have been suffering with poor roads in their area.
"Due to the viral video, many called me 'calon jalan emas' (golden road candidate). But I'm okay with it because many understand that my statement (about the road) is not a direct statement.
"It's a metaphor, symbolism, and a sarcastic statement to criticise the previous leaders in Semporna, especially in Bugaya.
"The road problem in Semporna is no longer small, it is very critical and this has been going on for a long time.
"The road here is pocked with potholes. So, I use the 'jalan emas' term for the people here to choose the better candidate as their elected representative.
"If the previous leaders gave the people a potholed road, I can offer them 'jalan emas'," he said while explaining that the golden road referred to good road conditions, and one equipped with street lights.
Jufazli was trending on social media since last week due to a video of him campaigning to build a road made of gold in Mile 2, Bugaya, should he win the seat.
The freelance researcher and YouTuber said the video on his Tik Tok and YouTube channels recieved hundreds of thousands of views every day and his new followers keep increasing.
Jufazli, who graduated with a master's degree in political science from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), opined that the viral video had promoted his campaign as well as his manifesto to thousands of voters in Bugaya.
"It's good because it is not easy to cover all the villages within 14 days," he said.
Apart from the road and clean water problem, Jufazli said he wants to fight to resolve the documentation issue for people in Semporna.
"This issue is very critical in Semporna. Many young children do not have their MyKad and birth certificates even though their parents are Malaysian citizens. I want to fight for them," he said while asserting that the documentation was not for illegal immigrants.
According to Jufazli, he has his 'brand' as an independent candidate because people's sentiments showed they were tired of political parties that only know how to give election promises.
"I never underestimate other political parties. They have their own strengths but I believe I can win people's hearts. This is my 'kampung'," said Jufazli, adding that this was his second attempt at public office after failing in Tanjong Papat in GE14.
The Bugaya by-election is being held simultaneously with GE15 after it was postponed due to the declaration of the state of emergency to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The seat will witness a seven-cornered fight among Jufazli, Mohd Hassan Abu Bakar (Pejuang) Jamil Hamzah (Warisan), Nazmahwati Walli (Parti Bangsa Malaysia), Karil Pg. Kuraini (Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah) Abd Aziz Mohd Ibno (Barisan Nasional), and Arastam Pandorog (Pakatan Harapan).
The Bugaya seat was held by the late Manis Muka Mohd Darah of Warisan who passed away on Nov 17, 2020.