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KOTA KINABALU: I could have sung about not having much to offer, but popular local singer Jimmy Palikat (Photo) may be willing to give it his all if he wins a seat in the state assembly.
The 42-year-old singer, known for his hit “Anak Kampung,” said he planned to expose the problems faced by people in rural areas that had been ignored by career politicians.
“I hope to be part of a new generation of leaders who will not be too caught up in their own political careers as long as they forget about the welfare of the people,” he said.
Palikat said he understands the difficulties people are going through, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic affected their livelihoods.
He said that before the pandemic hit, people in rural areas had better opportunities.
“They used to earn up to RM 100 per day. Today, they can earn up to RM 20,” he said, adding that he was also finding it difficult to earn income during the motion control order (MCO).
However, it will not be easy for the singer to break into the state assembly, as he would have to face veteran politician Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan in a six-corner contest for the seat of Tambunan.
Palikat will run as an independent candidate in his first attempt at politics and will also face four other candidates from the Parti Bersatu Sabah, Parti Cinta Sabah, United Progressive Kinabalu Organization (Upko) there.
However, he said he was not overly concerned about the outcome.
Palikat is one of 56 independent candidates competing in state elections.
Although she has sung about not having a car to take her love interest out on a date, she says she will make sure she has a car to continue her campaign.
“I’ll just borrow my father’s,” he said.
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