TUARAN: Medical doctor turned community leader, Datuk Dr. Joseph Lee, has expressed his readiness to contest the Tamparuli State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seat in the upcoming 17th Sabah state election, should he be nominated by any local political party.
Dr. Joseph, a native of Tamparuli, is among the local figures being widely mentioned as a potential candidate in the coming election.
Apart from the incumbent, Datuk Jahid Jahim, other names being floated include Dr. Gaim James Lunkapis (KDM), Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau (PH), and Gundohing Herman Tungigging (GRS).
While Warisan has yet to hint at who they may field for the Tamparuli seat, there is a strong likelihood that the party will nominate an influential local leader.
Dr. Joseph said that after evaluating the political landscape in Sabah, he believes it is time to offer himself for the upcoming state election and to serve the people of Tamparuli more effectively.
“In fact, some voters in Tamparuli have personally invited me to run this time, and several have voiced their concerns through dialogues held. I’m always open to listening and finding solutions to their problems. This is the same approach I take as a medical practitioner—always ready to treat patients facing health issues.”
“To me, politics is not just a show; we need someone who genuinely cares and understands the root of the problems in the constituency,” he said, highlighting issues such as water supply, electricity rationing, land ownership, and inadequate infrastructure like farm roads and village streetlights as among the challenges faced by voters in Tamparuli.
“There are schools in the Tamparuli constituency that require funding for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades,” said the 53-year-old doctor. “I’ve also been informed that the SMK Tenghilan project is stalled, and several damaged bridges have yet to be fully repaired. Flooding in Tenghilan town and several other areas also needs serious attention.”
Dr. Joseph emphasized the need to focus on economic development and create more job opportunities for the youth in Tamparuli.
He is determined to give his best to ensure the people of Tamparuli receive the highest standard of service, should he be given the opportunity to represent them in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly.
