Norazlinah said the biggest challenge for rural representatives in areas like Kunak is ensuring the people’s voices reach the state and federal governments.

She said she has used various channels to champion Kunak’s issues, including debates in the state assembly, discussions with the state government, and social media.

“These efforts are not only focused on the development of basic infrastructure, but also on the welfare and wellbeing of the locals.

“I have only one wish, that Kunak is no longer sidelined. Kunak deserves to see progress as much as Sabah’s other districts,” she said in a Facebook post.

The Kunak Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah chief was first elected as assemblyman in 2018, defending her seat in the 2020 polls.

The Sabah assembly was dissolved on Oct 6 to make way for the 17th state election.

The Election Commission set Nov 29 as polling day, with nominations to be held on Nov 15 and early voting on Nov 25.

The Sabah legislative assembly has 79 seats, with 73 of them being contested. The other six are appointed state seats.