KOTA KINABALU:
Independent candidate Datuk John OT Ghani, who is defending the Kuala Penyu state seat, has dismissed claims by certain quarters that he has failed to bring development to the constituency since he was elected in 2004. “The people of Kuala Penyu have enjoyed more development and progress over the past three years than the 18 years before 2004 when the constituency was represented by Datuk Wences Angang,” he said. Contrary to claims by certain quarters, John said Kuala Penyu has received an annual allocation of RM750,000 from the Government and it was among the state constituencies that received the biggest amount of development funds. “I have also brought up the Kuala Penyu people’s needs and aspirations in every sitting of the State Legislative Assembly,” he said during a meeting with a group of voters from the constituency at his residence here yesterday. John, who defeated the then incumbent BN-UPKO candidate Datuk Wences Angang in 2004 with a 2,018-vote majority, is locked in a three-cornered fight with BN-UPKO candidate Teo Kwan Chin Teo Mau Sing and Guandee Koh Hoi from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). In another development, John urged the constituents in Beaufort parliamentary constituency to vote for BN-UMNO candidate Datuk Lajim Ukin as the latter is a good leader who has excellent ties with federal leaders. He said Lajim is a leader who serves the people irrespective of their race and religion. “On one occasion, Lajim gave financial assistance to a church in Kuala Penyu to enable it to buy a van,” he recalled.
