Riding Waves Of Change Bersatu Youth Leader Eyes Bongawan Seat

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Growing up just two minutes from the ocean, Kimanis Bersatu Youth chief Ridzuan Firdaus is confident in his ability to stay afloat amid Sabah’s uncertain political tides - even if, as he admits, he’s still a “small fry” with big ambitions.
The 35-year-old Bersatu Youth exco member has set his sights on Bongawan, one of two state seats under the Kimanis parliamentary constituency - a fishing town along Sabah’s west coast famed for its prized blue-eyed anchovies.
Known in political circles simply as Ustaz, Ridzuan (above) represents a new generation of Sabah politicians hoping to make their mark in the upcoming 17th state election.
“As a young person from the area, my focus is on bringing change.
ADS“That change begins with strengthening the party’s capacity. If we’re talking about a true opposition, that’s Perikatan Nasional,” he said when met in Kuala Lumpur.
A school teacher by profession, Ridzuan traced his political journey back to 2019, when Bersatu’s Sabah chapter was launched, coincidentally on his daughter’s birthday.
He insisted he has remained loyal ever since, even as others jumped ship to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) following the fall of the PN-led state government after the last general election.
“My first and only party is Bersatu. I joined during Pakatan Harapan’s time under (ex-premier Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad).
“When others left to enjoy the sweetness of being in government, I stayed.
“I see a longer-term future, one where PN can govern longer than Umno,” he said.
For Ridzuan, PN remains the natural home for Malay voters, with Bersatu and PAS representing complementary Malay and Islamic interests.
Federal influence strong
Ridzuan was blunt about Sabah’s oft-repeated call for “local party” politics, dismissing it as political theatre.
“The ‘local party versus national party’ debate is just rhetoric.
“Those who left Bersatu for GRS said they wanted to emulate Sarawak. But when election comes, they still have to bow to national parties like Harapan,” he said.
He argued that the balance of power in Sabah ultimately favours federal influence.
“There’s no such thing as a purely local party. Even Warisan and GRS end up aligning with national forces,” he added.
Going against big gun
Born in Kimanis and married to a woman from Bongawan - representing two of the largest polling districts with over 20,000 voters - Ridzuan remained confident of his ability to connect with the local Muslim-Brunei majority.
Ridzuan expects a tough fight in Bongawan, possibly against former federal minister and four-term Kimanis MP Anifah Aman.
Anifah, the younger brother of Sabah Governor Musa Aman, lost his bid for the Bongawan seat in the last state polls but has announced plans to wrest the seat back from Warisan.
Parti Cinta Sabah president Anifah AmanRidzuan, however, believes he stands a chance.
“I don’t deny his (Anifah) legacy. But after losing in both the general and state elections, I think that’s a clear message.
“The people of Bongawan want new leadership,” he said.
Voters are ready for someone younger, local, and unburdened by old political baggage, he added.
Youth activism: New kind of pressure
As a part-time lecturer, Ridzuan has observed how the rise of youth activism in Sabah - from online movements to street demonstrations - signaled a new political maturity.
Student protesters burning an image of PM Anwar Ibrahim during the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 rally in Kota Kinabalu in June“Sabahans are polite by nature. But now young people are starting to speak out against corruption and injustice.
“They evaluate based on information, not family loyalties. Just because their father supports Umno doesn’t mean they will,” he said.
That, he added, has made older politicians uneasy.
“Change will come through the youth vote.”
From pulpit to politics
A graduate of Jordan in Usuluddin (Islamic Studies) and comparative religion, Ridzuan’s nickname Ustaz reflects both his education and community work.
“Maybe other YBs attend weddings, but I mostly attend funerals, that’s become my brand,” he joked.
Looking ahead, he insisted that PN remains the only genuine opposition to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.
“If you support GRS, you’re supporting Anwar. If you support Umno, you’re supporting Anwar. PN is the only one standing against his failures,” he asserted.
Still, Ridzuan acknowledged that Sabah’s future will likely remain complex.
“In the end, Sabah will again see a mixed government. But I’d rather stand with a coalition that rejects the federal administration. PN is the government in waiting,” he said.
As the Election Commission set Nov 15 for nominations and Nov 29 for polling, the political tide in Bongawan continues to shift.
Whether the ustaz from Kimanis can stay afloat in Sabah’s turbulent waters remains to be seen. But for now, Ridzuan seems determined to keep swimming. - Mkini

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