KOTA KINABALU – The legacy of former Sabah Chief Minister and current Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, lives on through his family, as both his sons were named as candidates in the forthcoming state election.
Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Yamani Hafez Musa was fielded by PKR in Sindumin, while his younger brother, Hazem Mubarak Musa, was announced as Gabungan Rakyat Sabah’s (GRS) candidate for Sungai Manila.
Hazem, 43, said that being the son of the Head of State did not give him any political advantage.
“I have been active in politics for quite some time, but when I was appointed as the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Division Chief three years ago, that was when I started going to the ground. We have done our best over the past three years to engage with the people and listen to their problems, especially at the grassroots level.
“TYT (the Head of State) cannot interfere in political matters. He cannot campaign. So for me, it does not bring any advantage because, for your information, TYT must remain neutral and cannot even vote. I definitely stand on my own name,” he said when met by reporters after the candidate announcement ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Wednesday.
He acknowledged that political involvement runs in the family, but stressed that each member has their own path and ideals.
He stated that candidates from other parties were also contesting, including his brother in Sindumin and his uncle, who is with GRS, in Bongawan.
Hazem emphasised that family ties are secondary to a candidate’s ability to serve the people effectively.
He further highlighted that the most important quality in a candidate is the ability to serve the people, address their concerns, fight for their welfare and bring positive change to the constituency.
To him, these values matter far more than who the candidate is.
Before his appointment as the 11th Head of State of Sabah, Tun Musa served as Chief Minister for over two decades.
His son-in-law, Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, is contesting for the Membakut seat under GRS.
In addition, the Liawan GRS candidate Datuk Anuar Ayub and his brother, Mohd Ishak, who is contesting under Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), are nephews of Tun Musa.
Meanwhile, the GRS candidate for the Kawang state seat, Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar, is his brother-in-law.
Tan Sri Anifah Aman, who is Tun Musa’s younger brother, is also listed as a GRS candidate representing Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), the party he leads as president.