PENAMPANG: Mention Ceasar Mandela Malakun and many may liken the name to the first president of South Africa Nelson Mandela.
However, Ceasar or fondly known as Mandela is not at all related to the political leader of the movement to end apartheid.
He is a Kadazan lad from Kampung Limbanak in the Penampang district, who was born five months after Nelson Mandela was released from prison in Feb 1990.
Speaking to New Straits Times Press, Mandela who will turn 28 on July 8 said his parents never explained why he was named ‘Mandela’ but was pleased he has such a meaningful namesake.
“When Nelson Mandela was released, I can more or less guess how the feeling was at that time after being in prison for 27 years fighting for the freedom of his people and country. My wild guess is my name has to come from Nelson Mandela…it must be.
“However, my parents never really explained why. Nevertheless, I admire Nelson Mandela’s spirit. The whole world knows how a great leader he was, and he became an inspiration to many, including myself,” he said.
Just like the late South African Leader, the Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Penampang parliamentary seat was a lawyer before becoming an entrepreneur and joining the political movement to fight for the people.
Despite being the youngest Sabah BN candidate for this coming election, Mandela who is Limbanak United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Organisation (Upko) party division chief believed he has what it takes to become the people’s leader.
Over the years, Mandela has familiarised himself with community works by going to rural villages and carrying outreach programmes through the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Youth Council, in which he is also the chairman.
He began active in politics after joining Upko party as an ordinary member less than two years ago. Within the period, he was appointed to lead the Limbanak Upko division and was selected as a Penampang Upko committee member.
“What inspired me to join politics is the people, especially the youth. I feel the youth deserves a voice and we want to do something. We are not really interested so much on old politics. The youths want to do something real and make a real difference.
“Having been selected as candidate, I feel very humble not just for me but for all the youths in Sabah because this means our voices and struggle is being heard,” he said.
Mandela admitted being a young candidate comes at a price as he received many criticisms from the people who are doubtful of his leadership.
He, however, took criticism in his stride and as ways to improve himself, stressing his family is very supportive of his political career.
“Many have said to my face that I should be patient, don’t rush into politics and don’t go into BN. I mean, people have the rights to their opinion and I respect them. When people talk to me, I will take it to better myself if it’s a constructive comment.
“Otherwise if it’s just ‘fitnah’ I will just ignore. However, people who tell me these shows they care. In fact, I receive more genuine advice and guidance rather than criticism,” he said.
When asked about one of the most important life lessons he learnt over the past years, Mandela said the passing of his girlfriend Michelle Eliza Johnny, who was killed in an accident a year ago, has taught him to appreciate loved ones and do good deeds.
“From whatever has happened, it has made me to appreciate life more. We can’t waste a single second of our life and we must try to make as much good as we can in this world,” he said.
Mandela’s empathy shows when he spoke fondly about looking after the elderly in Penampang constituency in terms of medical assistance, social and welfare progammes.
Recently, he visited an old couple who lived in a dilapidated wooden house at Kampung Kibunut, Penampang. This year, he had gone to over 30 houses within the constituency to hand over necessary assistance.
“I am happy to see the youth taking such initiative to help the needy, especially the old folks. I hope more young people will come forward and take proactive action to assist the community in need.
“In the government, there is already a structure where the people can go and get assistance. As active citizens, we can facilitate those in need to get the necessary support from these (government) agencies.
“For Upko, we want to become the bridge for youth and charity (groups) and this is something the party has been doing in the past several years,” he said.
On his vision for Penampang, Mandela wants the constituency to be the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) and have strong information technology industry in the next five years.
Mandela studied law at Queen Mary University of London and completed his master’s in law at the City University London in 2012.
He is the group general manager of Sabanilam Enterprise Sdn Bhd, a property development company that developed International Technology and Commercial Centre (ITCC) – a new landmark for Penampang.
When he is not working, Mandela said he likes to go watch movies.