Likas assemblyman-elect Tham expresses mixed feelings over Warisan’s election outcome

KOTA KINABALU (Nov 30): Likas assemblyman-elect Tham Yun Fook has expressed both gratitude and a sense of disappointment following the overall outcome of Saturday’s 17th Sabah State Election.

On one hand, Tham was happy to deliver Parti Warisan the Likas state seat, winning the six-cornered contest that also included pre-election favourite Phoong Jin Zhe of Pakatan Harapan.

Tham secured 5,768 to votes for a 2,425 majority win, beating Phoong —  the former Luyang assemblyman who shifted to Likas — who obtained 3,343 votes.

The Other candidates were Ku Yuk Cheong (Parti Kebangsaan Sabah) who won 42 votes, Louis Yong of Parti Impian Sabah (209 votes), Candy Chiew of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (44 votes) and Yong Yit Jee of Sabah Progressive Party (837 votes).

On the other hand, however, Tham expressed mixed feelings despite the impressive win, citing the overall outcome of the state election in which Warisan won 25 seats out of 73 contested, leaving the party unable to form the government alone.

“I’m very happy to have been elected, but there is also a sense of disappointment.

“Why? Because our Parti Warisan still isn’t in a position to form a government on our own.

“So some of our ideas, especially my own beliefs, including the principles of our part such as our direction to reform education, may face obstacles.

“That’s why, even after winning the election, there is still that sense of disappointment,” Tham told reporters shortly after he was officially unveiled as the new Likas assemblyman just after midnight on Saturday.

Having said that, Tham remains committed to fulfilling the promises and goals made during the campaign, regardless of the hardships and future challenges.

“To fully realise all my promises and goals, there is still a long way to go because we cannot govern alone and we also don’t know what the upcoming situation will be like.

“These decisions will be made by the party leadership. So, some parts of our policy direction may remain uncertain.

“If we become part of the opposition, then we will serve as a strong check and balance on the government over all its policies, projects and any activities it carries out.

“But, as for serving the people of Likas, I will do my best to fulfil my responsibilities as a state assembly member,” the veteran educator assured.

Towards this end, Tham took the opportunity to thank all who have contributed to his victory.

“I started from zero, from the education field now stepping into politics and being able to win this time, I must thank the voters and also my family.

“I also thank my team and in particular our party president (Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal), who paid close attention Likas election, perhaps because I am a newcomer, the party offered special guidance and support,” said Tham who left his senior government post to contest in the state election.