But unlike Selangor which is driven by its progressive market economy, Sukau is more known for its wildlife which drives its tourism and oil palm industries.

Although the total number of voters here is only around 10,000, the population is quite large, with more than 150,000 people, mostly made up of foreigners working in the many oil palm plantations in the constituency.

The state constituency is divided between the Sandakan municipal council and the Kinabatangan district office, which means its assemblyman Saddi Abdul Rahman must attend meetings in both districts.

The two-term Barisan Nasional assemblyman retained the seat in the last election after defeating PAS candidate Ahdah Sulaiman by a 4,419 majority.

“When I first won the seat in 2008, Sukau was the only constituency in Sabah without a proper township, which is unacceptable because the area is big,” he told FMT.

To address the problem, in 2010, Saddi came up with a 10-year plan to transform the constituency, including addressing the need for social and economic development.

Since then, the state government has built a proper tamu (open market) site, a new mosque, paved the roads, constructed a modern shop building and carried out several other projects.

The plan, he said, was to make Sukau a district on its own, just like Tongod district in the Kuamut constituency, by 2020.

“Once Sukau is made a district, we can have better administration to bring development into Sukau. Currently, neither of the district authorities administrating Sukau is interested in developing this area because they have their own centres to govern.

“Look at Tongod. As it has been made a district, the people there are enjoying rapid economic development because everything is centred there,” he said.

Saddi also wants work on the proposed Sukau Bridge II, to connect the little township to the main road to Lahad Datu, to begin. This plan was put on hold following fierce objections from international environmental groups, especially in Europe, forcing the state government to postpone the construction.

“This is the low point in my ten years as an assemblyman here. The people were really hoping for it. Not only would it have created a complete road network between Sandakan and Lahad Datu through Sukau, it could have also helped the people in other ways.

“As it is, they have to rely on the ferry service provided by the IOI Plantations. And this is not free; in fact quite expensive for these people. A return travel could cost up to RM30. Considering their limited economic activities, this is very expensive,” he said.

While the bridge remains Saddi’s source of grief, the fact that Sukau’s tourism industry has developed rapidly has encouraged him to work harder to ensure the locals will benefit through downstream activities.

The Kinabatangan River in Sukau is considered by many to be the best place for viewing wildlife in Borneo, if not the whole of Southeast Asia.

In Sukau alone, there are 15 lodges, five homestays and seven resorts, proof of Sukau’s attraction to nature lovers.

“Currently, only tour operators benefit from the influx of tourists to the area. I am looking for ways to get the locals involved more actively in the industry so they will also improve their economy,” he said.

Politically, Saddi is confident of retaining the seat for the third straight term.

However, the issue with the Sukau Bridge lingers on his mind.

“Parti Warisan Sabah is the main rival for me this time around. I have noticed them going from house to house campaigning for their party. They cannot attack my policies because they know it has done the constituency a world of good.

“On the other hand, they also know that the bridge is my weak point and they will use it against me. I just hope the people will put their trust in me after all that I have done for Sukau and for the people here,” he said.

Saddi is hopeful that the people will not look at the postponement of the bridge as a failure, especially because there is still a chance for it to be built somehow.

“It is the most important piece of the Sukau blueprint. I believe this and I am confident that one day it will materialise,” he said.

Sukau bridge issue could cost Sabah BN seat, says assemblyman