KOTA KINABALU: Political newcomer John Teo Mau Sing is upbeat about his chances of regaining the Kuala Penyu State seat.

"I may be new to the political scene but if we in the BN work together, we will succeed in winning back the seat," he said.

The incumbent Assemblyman is Datuk John Ghani, an Independent, who wrested the seat from Upko's Datuk Wences Anggang in the 2004 general elections.

The 49-year old UK graduate, who was formerly a health inspector attached to the Kuala Penyu District Council, thanked Dompok for his confidence.

Teo said change was needed in the area which only BN could deliver.

He said if elected, he would focus on bringing development to the area, pointing out that issues of neglected facilities such as roads, bridges as well as the endless water shortage problem was among the main concerns.

Teo revealed that despite having a Chinese sounding name, he is a full-blooded Dusun but raised since a child by a Chinese family and received his early education in a Chinese-type school.

He was not concerned that his name would be an obstacle in getting the Kadazandusun vote, claiming that he had the full support of the Kadazandusun community there.

"The people are matured enough to know that race is not the issue when it comes to who will represent them because development is more important," he added.

Meanwhile, veteran politician Datuk Siringan Gubat who will contest the Ranau Parliamentary seat, having previously served as the Assemblyman there for 15 years (1989 to 2004) said his return marks a new chapter in his political career.

"I have just been confirmed (by Upko President Dompok) that I will stand but I will perform my best for this election, " he said.

"The feedback from the grassroots has been very encouraging and I am confident it will translate into a victory for the BN in Ranau. However cooperation from all BN components parties is vital to ensure the victory will be a bigger one compared to the previous elections," he added.