Despite defeat, Razali Razi pledges to keep helping Darau constituents

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 30): Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for the Darau state seat, Datuk Razali Razi, expressed gratitude to voters in the constituency despite a narrow defeat in the 17th Sabah State Election.

Razali said he accepted the outcome with humility and respect, describing the experience of campaigning as an invaluable journey.

“Thank you for allowing me to campaign, visit villages, sit and chat, and hear directly the hopes of the community,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday night.

Official results showed Razali lost narrowly to Parti Warisan candidate Azhar Matussin by just 63 votes. Razali garnered 8,297 votes, while Azhar secured 8,360.

Known affectionately as Datuk Bob, Razali also congratulated Azhar and expressed appreciation for the healthy competition among all candidates, including Meriah Osman, Joe Arfan, Nordin Thani, and Nabila Norsahar.

Although he did not win the mandate this time, Razali reaffirmed his commitment to the people of Darau.

“Even though I did not win, Darau remains in my heart. I will continue to work, continue to help, and continue visiting villages as usual,” he said.

He added that the spirit of service is not dependent on holding office, but comes from sincerity and a sense of responsibility to the people.

“As long as I am able, as long as the people of Darau still call my name, I will be there to help,” he said.