KUALA KUBU BAHARU – With only a week to go before polling day, it is expected that the candidates will be intensifying their efforts to woo voters here.
Scoop looks into the campaign progress so far, and how Kuala Kubu Baharu is witnessing some good old retail politics as well as a few head-scratching psywar moments.
The candidates and their parties
As the campaigns kicked off, both Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) bright-eyed and bushy-tailed candidate and Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) local boy had targets on their backs, either from fellow politicians or the public.
PN candidate Khairul Azhari Saut was already under heavy public scrutiny on the first day of the campaign, after his academic qualifications were questioned – particularly on his executive master’s certificate.
PN’s candidate Khairul Azhari Saut has had his academic qualifications called into question. – Azim Rahman/Scoop pic, May 4, 2024
Adding to the fire is his supposed arrears with loan sharks amounting to more than RM36,000, to which he refused to comment – even avoiding the media whenever possible and brushing aside controversial questions.
While Khairul cannot shake off these controversies, the unity government itself has been criticised over Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming allocating RM5.2 million to Hulu Selangor, and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad purportedly handing out envelopes containing money.
Meanwhile, it seems that the unity government’s candidate, Pang Sock Tao, has access to more media training to address the concerns raised on her candidacy – such as her vernacular educational background and her not being a local – as the DAP hopeful was seen to consult her party seniors before joining in any press conference.
Ceramah programmes
In ceramah events, PN jumps head-on with fiery lambasts against the government over its alleged lacklustre performance since being in administration, with most of its topics revolving around the increasing cost of living and governance.
Personal attacks and name-calling are not foreign either as they are common political tactics.
Opting for style of attack is probably the speakers playing to the gallery as the audience seems to be more receptive.
On the other hand, PH mainly attempts to focus on policies, while a united political front with former-rivals Barisan Nasional is repeated ad nauseam.
It remains to be seen if this narrative will woo voters on polling day. Either way, both are aggressive in their calls for people to vote as low turnout can turn the tide for either candidate.
Chances are slim to none for Parti Rakyat Malaysia candidate Hafizah Zainudin and independent Nyau Ke Xin.
PH has focused on policies at its ceramah, as well as its alliance with former-rivals Barisan Nasional. – Alif Omar/Scoop pic, May 4, 2024
The voters
The Kuala Kubu Baharu residents who attend ceramah have already made up their minds on who to vote for, but some still show up just to gawk.
Despite the more laid-back lifestyle, the residents here are intuitive of the political landscape and their needs. People here are unafraid to call out any lacklustre contributions.
Regardless, the reception of all candidates is the same. While they can be friendly with the candidates during walkabouts, none are excited to meet the potential assemblyperson and prefer to keep them at arm’s length.
This could be attributed to the last assemblywoman, the late Lee Kee Hiong, and her apparent unmatched services to Kuala Kubu Baharu.
Several locals here told Scoop that the infrastructure and other necessities had improved in recent years, while Lee would often be seen around the constituency.
While Lee’s legacy remains, the same could not be said for Hulu Selangor MP Mohd Hasnizan Harun of PAS, as most locals say they rarely see him on the ground.
Nonetheless, residents say as an opposition lawmaker he is limited in what he can do for the constituency.
The Kuala Kubu Baharu poll will see a four-cornered fight between Pang, Khairul, Hafizah and Nyau.
The seat was vacated following the death of Lee in March due to ovarian cancer. She had defended the seat for PH-DAP since winning it in 2013. – May 4, 2024