KUALA KUBU BAHARU – Locals here are hinting at political fatigue despite the election campaign only kicking off today.
Put off by constant mudslinging between politicians, some voters told Scoop their only hope is for the winner to keep their election promises on development.
A 48-year-old local who wants to be known as Ahmad said he felt facilities here have improved since Pakatan Harapan (PH) first took over the Selangor government in 2008.
“Previously, development here was sluggish. However, under PH, the landscape has evolved dramatically.
“Public amenities and tourism initiatives have breathed new life into our town. Now, we welcome waves of tourists during peak seasons, like school holidays.
“Regardless of the ruling party, I yearn for progress. Previously, a hospital here was a distant dream. Now, it’s a reality. But development must not be at the expense of the natural attractions here.”
Meanwhile, a voter who goes by Ali, 60, said regardless of the winning party, the work they put into serving the people will be the thing that counts.
“There is a lot of talk swirling about who Kuala Kubu Baharu people want as their representative. But for someone who has never left the town like me, I just want the best.
“It has nothing to do with one’s race or party if I am honest. Our previous state assemblywoman was from DAP. But she has given the best service she could to the locals here.
“Contrary to the current Hulu Selangor MP…‘batang hidung pun tak nampak’ (we never saw him around).
“The locals here need somebody reliable. Of course, each race wants one from their own (background) as the next state assemblyman.
“However, to me…as long as KKB gets a reliable rep.”
However, a voter who wants to be known as Zainal, said he completely lost faith in the electoral system and may opt out on polling day.
“What is the point of voting? I can accept if the person I voted for was not elected. But these days, many ‘shady’ things happening behind closed doors.
“If they are not happy among themselves, they change the government based on their own preferences.
“So tell me, what happened to my vote? I feel cheated. I’m disheartened… I might not vote.
“I think the majority of the Malays are leaning towards Perikatan Nasional (PN)…we are tired of PH.”
Malays are about 50% of the electoral roll, while the Chinese community makes up 30%, Indians at 18%, and Orang Asli make up the rest.
In a recent analysis, DAP’s Ong Kian Ming said Chinese and Indian voters would need to turn out in force for the party to retain the seat. Even then, it would only by a slim margin of around 1,000 votes.
He said the Malay vote is largely expected to go to PN amid negative perceptions against DAP and PH over institutional reforms and its weak economic narrative, among others.
The by-election is being held following the death of the incumbent Lee Kee Hiong who died on March 21. She first won the Kuala Kubu Baharu seat in the 2013 general election and defended it three times. – April 27, 2024