Putatan, about 20 minutes’ drive from the state capital, is a rapidly growing suburban area which achieved full district status slightly over 10 years ago.
According to Mojigoh, Putatan received one of the highest allocations in the country, which accelerated the rate of development in the area.
“Even Pekan (Prime Minister Najib Razak’s constituency in Pahang) did not receive allocations like these,” he said.
Putatan received RM889 million for a flood mitigation project and three sections of the Pan Borneo highway which pass through the district.
The Upko vice-president also said he was upbeat about his chances of renomination.
“It’s not for me to decide, obviously, but I’m just being positive. I’m healthy and strong, and still able to move around.
“I don’t really look at practical or physical achievements, as my biggest pride is that the people are comfortable with me. It’s my relationship with the people. That is a blessing… I can communicate with everyone. So far I’ve not heard any complaints about me,” Mojigoh said.
His open-door policy was in full swing before FMT’s interview, with Mojigoh seen chatting with Putatan residents in the sitting room of his MP office.
The conversation drifted between serious talk, and jokes and banter, while a steady stream of people walked in. He greeted them all.
He continued: “I work together with the state assemblymen within the Putatan parliamentary constituency, namely Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah (Tanjong Aru) and Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin (Petagas).
“The result is that development in Putatan is much faster than in other areas. But more needs to be done.”
The Putatan voter count currently stands at 41,174 with more than 64% comprising Muslim Bumiputeras. Chinese voters account for over 16% and non-Muslim Bumiputera voters nearly 15%.
All three BN elected representatives in Putatan have ambitious development plans that need a considerable amount of planning, funds and time, which is why they are hoping to be returned in the coming election.
Standing in their way, however, are many opposition parties, with Mojigoh singling out Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan). Still, he believes BN is the people’s choice.
“How many seats can Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Lajim Ukin’s Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah or Jeffrey Kitingan’s Sabah Star get? How many can PKR win?
“Warisan is the biggest challenge but can they secure more than five parliamentary seats? Maybe state seats (they will get) eight? But can they form the government?
“I see a lot of these opposition (parties) coming up but to me, they are friends. I don’t consider them enemies. But if they happen to attack me, I will attack back! So far they have not.
“I’m just waiting because I’ve got all the bullets to fire back… so be careful. They might have a shotgun but I have a rifle… they are looking for trouble,” he said, laughing.
“(But) if you compare us with the opposition, the advantage is with BN because we are united. If you’re talking about planning, strategies and machinery, we are better than the opposition.”
Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking was glad Mojigoh saw his party as his main contender.
“Mojigoh is very strong… I’m sure he’s confident he will win. At least he acknowledged us although we are a small boat,” he said, referring to the Warisan symbol.
“We don’t underestimate BN because they have the government facilities behind them, and also the local authorities.
“But ultimately, the people will decide,” the Penampang MP said.
Leiking added that it was the duty and responsibility of any government to bring development and progress to the people.
“When you collect taxes from the people, they deserve development, progress and assistance.
“It’s good that you bring development but it’s not just about that. The intrinsic values matter, how the country is run. There are serious issues of abuse of power and corruption… this goes beyond just development and progress,” he said.
“BN in Sabah has been here since 1994. That’s 24 years, and there is a strong wave of people wanting to see change.”
Mojigoh received 17,465 votes in the 2013 general election, eclipsing DAP’s Lee Han Kyun (7,958 votes), Dulli Mari (1,068 votes) who stood for the Sabah Progressive Party and Awang Ahmad Sah (2,604) who contested under Star.
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2015/12/16/musa-aman-stable-govt-vital-to-sabahs-peace-progress/