PAPAR, Sept 21  -- The humbling lyrics of Bajau song ‘Jomo Bioso’ (Ordinary People) have been embedded in the heart of four-term Kawang state assemblyman Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar since he was elected a people’s representative.

Now contesting on a Perikatan Nasional (PN) ticket in the 16th Sabah state election, Ghulam said the meaningful lines, among others, remind him that the people are the “king” and elected representatives are the servants, and not the other way round.

“The song conveys the meaning that we are ordinary people, all equal before the mighty Allah. Those elected as assemblymen are not Yang Berhormat (the honorable) but Yang Berkhidmat (of service) to the people. We are servants of the community.

“The people are the king in the heart of elected representatives. This song has pricked my conscience and reminded me to always stay humble, especially since the people were the ones who elected us,” said Ghulam, who is defending the seat in a five-cornered contest.

Interviewed by Bernama while campaigning in Pengalat Besar, about 30 km from Kota Kinabalu, Ghulam said he believed the 14,932 voters in his constituency would make a wise decision when casting their ballots on Saturday.

The former state infrastructure development assistant minister said although he is facing a strong challenge from young candidates, the people would continue to support him based on his track record.

Ghulam is facing Musli Sapan of Warisan, Abd Rahim Lasim of PCS, Awang Arip Nasib of USNO and former journalist and singer Janrywine J. Lusin of LDP.

In the 2018 general election, Ghulam, who was contesting on a BN ticket, polled 10,388 votes to retain the seat with a majority of 2,862.

-- BERNAMA