KUALA LUMPUR: After two years of engaging himself and his band Estranged in corporate social responsibility (CSR) work, vocalist Rich Lawrence Gimbang is ready to step up as wakil rakyat for Tambunan, Sabah.
The 38-year-old singer said that he was prepared to contest in the 15th General Election (GE15) which could be held in three years' time.
Rich said that he came to that decision after carrying out charity work in the rural area of Tambunan for the past couple of years.
He said in a news report today, that he wanted to assist rural folk who had been denied clean running water and electricity, besides focusing on education for the younger generation.
"I intend to contest in the next Sabah State Election, not in the one which is approaching soon," said the Akademi Fantasia Season 4 alumnus who wants to represent the people of Tambunan.
Earlier, Estranged shared a poster of Rich on its official Instagram account stating that his work towards contesting in the GE15, has begun.
With band members Solihuddin Hormat and Nor Hanafi Noor Hadi rallying behind him, the entry also received much love and support from fans and followers.
At the same time, Rich said that he would neither leave his singing career nor his band, no matter how busy he would be as a wakil rakyat.
"Some may think that music and politics do not go hand in hand. But I want to show that the two are actually related.
"My friends and I will be meeting up with the rural folk soon to hear them out. I dont want people to perceive that I'm using my celebrity status to get votes.
"I also want people to know me as someone who can deliver and bring change to the underprivileged," he added.