KOTA KINABALU: Willie Jude Junaidi, the Secretary General of the Democratic People’s Welfare Party (KDM), stated that assisting the party in achieving victory in the 17th State Election (PRN17) is more crucial than lobbying to become a candidate.
He mentioned that many have enquired and even suggested that he run in this election, but for now, he prefers to support the party as a whole.
“My priority is to assist the party first, to help potential candidates strengthen their positions in their respective areas, but to also become a candidate… that can wait for now.
“I joined KDM because I believe in the party’s struggle for the people of Sabah, not merely to become a candidate or seek a position. When I was entrusted with the role of Secretary General, I viewed it as a significant responsibility that I must carry out effectively.
“I will do my best for the party, especially in preparation for PRN17. This is our first appearance in the state election, and we certainly want the best results,” he said when contacted today.
Willie added that, as a media practitioner for nearly 20 years, he will leverage all his experience to assist the party.
He noted that entering the political arena seriously is not an easy decision, but it is necessary to continue the people’s struggle that he has been advocating through his writing.
“Previously, I have helped the community through writing… receiving both praise and criticism is normal, and now I will continue the fight to assist the people, perhaps with a slightly different approach,” he said.
However, Willie does not rule out the possibility of being listed as a candidate by KDM, but he emphasised that it ultimately depends on the party leadership’s decision.
“To be frank, I must say that at this moment, I do not have the intention of becoming a candidate and prioritising assistance to the party, but in politics, anything can happen, right?
“What is more important is the party’s victory in the upcoming PRN17; I am confident that KDM is now on the right track to create a surprise,” he added.
Willie, who currently resides in Inanam, is among those rumoured to be a candidate for KDM in that area, alongside businessman Datuk George Guntarik, who is currently the Chief Coordinator for KDM Inanam.
There are also rumours that he may return to his hometown of Keningau to run as a candidate in one of the DUN areas there.
