KUALA LUMPUR: The 15th General Election is underway, and parties are making every effort to win over voters’ hearts and minds in order to form a new government.
But the real question is: What do voters expect from their elected representatives?
Even though topics like the economy, infrastructure, jobs, and security are crucial, voters are more concerned with the more minute problems that directly touch their daily life.
Voters in Bandar Tun Razak are seeking a representative who can address the subpar infrastructure development in the dense area.
Resident and voter Shuhair Adam, 27, said parking remained an ever-present problem.
“Most neighbourhoods here are crowded, especially in flats or apartments, to the point where you run out of space to park your car and must double park farther from your place of residence.
“Despite our repeated concerns, nothing has been done. Therefore, whoever is elected, please look into this.”
Another voter, 30, who wished to remain anonymous, said she would assess which of Bandar Tun Razak’s three candidates can promote the interests of the electorate throughout the two-week campaign period.
She claimed that she had grown tired of elected representatives who engaged in personal attacks or played the racial and religious cards.
“Let’s put this propaganda behind us.
“We want a representative who is aware of how much these issues can affect us.
“After all, we are a multi-racial country.”
With 119,185 registered voters, Bandar Tun Razak will host a three-cornered contest between Datuk Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail of Pakatan Harapan, Datuk Chew Yin Keen of Barisan Nasional, and Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar of Perikatan Nasional.
Ruzianah Tajil, 33, of Semporna, Sabah, heard the candidates’ promises on “larger concerns” on Saturday, including clean water supply, infrastructure improvement, and the Bum Bum-Semporna bridge, which has still not been built after more than ten years.
Ruzianah wants more places or platforms for small traders to sell their goods. Her family owns a tiny store in the neighbourhood.
“There are many people from the islands (and mainland) selling their products on the road slide in town.
“There used to be a night market here, but it was discontinued.
“There should be similar venues to provide more opportunities for small business owners,” she said.
With 72,169 voters, the Semporna seat will feature a contest between Warisan’s longtime representative Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Nixon Abdul Hadi of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, Arastam Pandorog of PH, and AB Razik@Ad Rajak Ab Hamid of Pejuang.
