UPKO Tanjung Aru candidate Dennison R Indang visiting the Japen Sabah media centre here today. Photo Japen Sabah
KOTA KINABALU : – As the Undi 18 generation steps confidently into the political arena, United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) candidate for N22 Tanjung Aru, Dennison R. Indang, sees a crucial moment unfolding—one driven not by political rivalry, but by the voices and aspirations of voters themselves.
To Dennison, voters—especially young ones—are more than just statistics. They are the future architects of Sabah and Malaysia.
Yet he recognises that many youths remain unfamiliar with political processes, local governance, or even the range of political parties that represent them.
Instead of viewing this as a challenge, he sees it as an opening to empower the people who will shape the next era of leadership.
“We want the youth to be aware of local issues, geopolitics, and how policies are shaped,” he said during his visit to Pusat Media JAPEN Sabah today.
For Dennison, the significance of Undi 18 is not merely the expansion of the voter roll.
It is a chance to build a generation that thinks critically, demands accountability, and contributes to a more mature political culture.
And that begins with understanding what voters want: fairness, opportunity, and meaningful change.
As UPKO’s Treasurer-General, Dennison has spent the last three years engaging communities through various NGO activities.
Through these grassroots interactions in Tanjung Aru, Sembulan, and Pulau Gaya, one message consistently emerges from voters—they want leaders who genuinely listen and act.
Three Core Issues Raised by Voters
Dennison outlined three main priorities shaped by voter concerns:
1. Access to Education
Voters repeatedly voice the importance of ensuring every child receives basic educational support, regardless of where they live.
Strengthening education, he says, is key to uplifting entire communities.
2. Job Creation & Local Entrepreneurship
Local residents, especially young adults, want better job opportunities at home. Many prefer to develop their careers in Sabah rather than migrate elsewhere.
Dennison aims to boost job creation and support small and medium entrepreneurs, enabling people to become self-sustaining business owners.
3. “Sabah First” & the 40% Revenue Return
Voters across the constituency express strong interest in improving Sabah’s financial autonomy.
Dennison continues to champion the return of Sabah’s 40% revenue entitlement, believing that equitable state funding will lead to better infrastructure, services, and long-term opportunities for the people.
Pulau Gaya, Sembulan and Tanjung Aru: Issues Voters Want Resolved
In Pulau Gaya, where more than 16,000 voters reside, the absence of a health clinic remains one of the most urgent concerns.
Dennison has pledged to push for the establishment of a clinic under RMK-13, stressing that no community can thrive without access to basic healthcare.
The unsafe jetty—used daily by residents commuting to the city—remains another critical voter concern.
Meanwhile, voters in Sembulan continue to wait for long-promised urban renewal.
As development rapidly transforms surrounding areas of Kota Kinabalu, Sembulan residents feel increasingly left behind.
Dennison aims to bridge the long-standing disconnect between communities and government agencies to ensure that renewal plans reflect the needs and rights of the people.
Across all three areas, one theme is clear: voters want leaders who take long-standing issues seriously and offer fresh, workable solutions.
UPKO Tanjung Aru candidate Dennison R Indang visiting the Japen Sabah media centre here today.
A Campaign Built on Listening
At every community engagement, Dennison emphasises that strong voter voices—not political rhetoric—must drive the direction of Tanjung Aru.
He expressed gratitude to Jabatan Penerangan Sabah for providing a platform to meet voters directly, calling such engagement vital for building a healthy democratic culture.
“For Dennison, voters aren’t just the future—they are the driving force of Tanjung Aru today,” said his team.
“Earning their trust means addressing the real issues shaping their daily lives.”
A High-Stakes Contest Ahead
In the previous state election, Junz Wong of Parti Warisan secured a decisive victory with a majority of 3,147 votes, garnering a total of 4,125 ballots.
The upcoming poll on November 29 gives candidates just under two weeks to connect with voters, present their plans, and shape the direction of the constituency.
