“They also want to change, although their definition of change is the opposite of what the opposition parties are promoting,” Lo Sui Fui said after attending a talk in Inderasabah here today.
The seat within the Tawau parliamentary constituency was won by DAP’s Johnny Wong and Chan Foong Hin respectively in the elections of 2008 and 2013.
Lo now faces Wong, as well as Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah’s (PHRS) Ang Thou Chung and Parti Kebangsaan Sabah’s (PKS) Leong Yun Fui in the 14th general election (GE14) on May 9.
The businessman said he had made up his mind to hand over the companies he was running to others so that he could concentrate on his work as a legislator if elected.
He claimed that voters in Sri Tanjong had watched with envy as rapid development took place in neighbouring constituencies during the period.
He said the area languished due to ineffective leaders who failed to bring much-needed public development there.
“All the development projects seen in Sri Tanjong were done by private companies and benefiting only certain individuals,” he alleged.
Lo said he had met several old-time residents who said they were hoping for young blood to return the glory days of the 80s and 90s to Tawau.
He said many of their children were forced to leave Tawau because of lack of opportunities in employment and business.
Lo also said older voters were still overwhelmingly supporting BN because they believed only the ruling coalition could ensure peace and harmony.
On the other hand, more people aged 40 and below were unhappy with the government.
“I can understand their grouses. They say income is low but house prices are exorbitantly high. They are frustrated about many things,” he said.
“I hope if given the chance, I can help bring more jobs to the area and thus increase the people’s income,” he said, adding that he wanted young people to not leave their hometowns and elderly parents behind anymore.
Lo said he was confident he could achieve this because of his business background.