LAHAD DATU, Sept 23 -- The Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for Silam state seat Abdul Hakim Gulam Hassan has called on the voters from the constituency to give the coalition a chance to steer the area towards physical and socioeconomic developments.

The Bersatu Supreme Council member said currently the constituency was still lacking in developments.

“Silam is quite a big area and the people want developments, but there are too many unsolved issues.

“Among the issues that need to be addressed are those concerning roads, water and electricity supply and housing. We also want to create economic opportunities for the people to generate income,” he told Bernama here.

Nevertheless, Abdul Hakim said all developments planned for Sabah would be affected if the state and federal governments are not going in the same direction.

The constituency that went through a name change from Lahad Datu has 17, 395 registered voters.

Abdul Hakim is facing five other contenders for the seat, namely the incumbent Dumi Pg Masdal (Warisan), Ahmad Tiong (Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah), Datuk Matusin Sunsang (Parti Cinta Sabah), Mohammad Hamdan Abdullah (USNO) and Erwan Johan (Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah).

The Sabah voters will go to the polls on Sept 26.

-- BERNAMA