PAPAR: Independent candidate Linda Dunstan said her decision to enter politics is driven by a desire to bring fresh leadership and new perspectives to Sabah.
Linda, contesting in a nine-cornered fight for the Limbahau seat, has long been active in community service through Pertubuhan Kebajikan Melati Sabah.
“My late father always stressed the importance of helping people. He started in NGOs, and that shaped my approach,” said Linda about her foray into the 17th Sabah General Election.
Over the years, her NGO raised funds through concerts, ticket sales and community initiatives, experiences she said prepared her for leadership roles in politics.
Seven months ago, Linda decided to contest, motivated by her community and friends who called for “new blood” in Sabah’s political landscape.
“Initially, I was uncertain, but encouragement from people who wanted change convinced me to go ahead,” she explained.
Support came not only from peers but also from elders in their 60s and 70s, who wanted younger leaders to step forward.
Linda said her priorities include tackling school bullying and ensuring safer educational environments for children.
She believes Sabah needs a new generation of business-minded, strategic leaders to drive development, citing China as an example of how remote regions can grow rapidly with proper planning and mindset.
Linda also highlighted her family’s legacy of empowerment.
Her father, Roger Dunstan, was the first chief minister of La Salle Secondary School in Tanjung Aru, later became a journalist and was encouraged by Tun Fuad Stephens to study in London.
He returned to become one of the seven founders of KDCA and the only Kadazan to hold the presidency of Majlis Belia Malaysia.
He introduced initiatives such as the shiitake mushroom project in Kampung Limbahau to provide skills and jobs for rural communities.
Continuing this legacy, Linda said her NGO programmes now train more women than men, reflecting the need for at least 30 per cent female leadership.
As the only woman candidate in Limbahau, she focuses on community engagement, skill development and empowerment rather than political attacks.
She chose the elephant as her symbol, citing its sacred significance and representation of strength and protection. – Wu Vuide
educational environments for children.
