GE15: Maximus Ongkili brushes aside opponents' claims he is too sick

KOTA MARUDU: Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili is not discouraged or offended even though his political opponents called him a "sick man" and urged him to retire.

The 69-year old Kota Marudu member of parliament said despite those personal attacks, he was undeterred and would go all out in his campaign.

"I may be 69, but I can still run from the dogs if they charge at me," he said to laughter as he gestured on stage as if he was running.

He assured supporters that he had sought medical advice before deciding to stand for election.

Ongkili, who has held the Kota Marudu seat since 1995, suffered a stroke in July 2020.

"Before I made my decision (to contest), I did medical check-ups, went to IJN (National Heart Institute) and discussed with the specialists there.

"Thank God, they told me I am fit and well to go for campaigns. So, here I am, ladies and gentlemen, at your service," he said.

Ongkili, who is contesting under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), is in a six-cornered fight with four opponents from political parties and one independent candidate for the Kota Marudu parliamentary seat.

His contenders are Datuk Wetrom Bahanda of Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), Shahrizal Denci (Malaysia United Democratic Alliance), Datuk Jilid Kuminding (Parti Warisan), Pejuang Tanah Air's Mohd Azmie Zulkiflee and sole independent candidate, Norman Tulang.