MY STATEMENT
 |
RABIA A. SALAPUDDIN
|
Assalamu alaykum! Peace be with you!
Alhamdulillah! All praises to Allah! On this day of my filing of my Certificate
of Candidacy for Governor of Basilan Province in the forthcoming election of
May 2013, honestly, I have never contemplated to get involve sooner in politics
because I’m currently studying and I feel I’m still not competent to serve the
public.
I am aware that there has been
continuous demand from the people of Basilan for my father to run for Governor,
which he courteously declined due to some legal impediments. Suddenly, I become
the common choice of the people to run for Governor. When my father finally
decided to tell me to run for Governor instead of him, the only thing I can say
in reply was: "Are you serious? For real politics?" My father
replied: "Yes, I am serious and it is the request of our people."
To the people of Basilan, after
contemplating if this is the path God has chosen for me I finally accept the
call and the challenge to run for Governor of our Province, I only wish to continue
with the honored and distinguished tradition of my father - a public service of
good governance and the politics of performance. I wish to emulate the numerous
proud accomplishments of my father.
I am not him, but I am his daughter.
I have witnessed his passion in serving the people of Basilan and for that he
has always been my hero. Inspired by his distinguished public service to the
people, if given the mandate by the people of Basilan, insha Allah, God
willing, I will carry on the proud tradition and quality service of my father.
His works will be my inspiration and guide in government and your interests
shall be my primary duty and responsibility.
Now that I have accepted your call
and the challenge from you, please support me if you want real change in
governance and true reforms in public service. I am not running for personal
gains or interest. I am running for you because you are thirsting for good
governance and public service that makes the difference in the lives of our
people.
Finally, I wish to thank all our
supporters who continuously has trust in our family specially my father and who
supported and encouraged me in this struggle. To our supporters, insha Allah,
God willing, I will try my best to serve our people. To Allah (SWT), I wish to
thank you for giving me the courage, wisdom, political will and determination,
to throw my hat into the political arena in order to serve you because there is
no other Basilan than this province. Wassalam! Thank you very much.