Pakatan on alert at Penanti, time to re-connect with voters
By Wong Choon Mei, Suara Keadilan
Pakatan Rakyat will not be letting its guard down at the Penanti by-election although it may be a dry run for the popular coalition, especially with arch rival Umno withdrawing from the contest.
According to PKR strategic affairs director Tian Chua, the tiny electorate located in core Malay heartland was every bit as precious to them as any large, urban or wealthy constituency in other parts of the nation.
Umno may not bother, but Pakatan will not neglect the Penanti people. In fact, without Umno, it means more time to go back to basics and re-touch base with the constituents, he added.
“Low-key or not, Pakatan treats this as a serious exercise to articulate our policies, future roadmap for Penang as well as engaging with voters to get their feedback,” Tian told Suara Keadilan.
“Actually, without the razzle-dazzle, Pakatan won’t have to spend so much money on campaign materials. We can instead spend more time on the ground with the people.”
Voters should punish Umno for neglecting them
Penanti is located on mainland Penang. It boasts a picturesque expanse of padi fields, with rubber and palm oil plantations dotting the constituency.
Made up of little villages with a smattering of commercial activities, most of its residents are industrial workers and small businessmen.
It is also part of the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency, the stronghold of Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim – the nemesis of scandal-plagued Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Obviously, Najib’s supporters have defended his call not to contest as a wise move as his Umno-BN can only lose in that area.
Meanwhile, Pakatan has chosen former USM lecturer Mansor Othman as its candidate. Two independents – Aminah Abdullah and Mohd Saberi Othman – have expressed interest to contest.
There is widespread talk that Najib was backing either of the two so as to roil the Pakatan, while hiding himself from the political consequences of yet another by-election defeat.
“Of course, independents have no chance all together. But we cannot overlook the possibility of our supporters become apathetic as they might think there is no need to work so hard,” said Tian.
“I guess without an Umno candidate, what could happen is that its voters may not turn out in full force. Which would be a shame, because they should come out and show Najib what they think of his neglect by giving Pakatan their vote.”
A small but politically-savvy community
Tucked away in a corner, the electorate might be but Penanti folk are a politically savvy lot.
Last year, they created a stir with complaints that they seldom saw former deputy chief minister Fairus Khairuddin, who was then their assemblyman. He has since quit, paving the way for the contest.
“Mansor is nominated because he will be able to compensate for the neglect by Fairus, who was very busy with his multiple tasks,” said Tian.
“Mansor is also a leader who can unite the party in Penang as he has a very approachable personality. With his background as a working academic and past experience in the government, we are sure he will be a much better administrator.”
Tian also urged Penanti folk not to be shy and to make full use of the campaigning period to express their feedback. Polling is due on May 31.
“Yes, one year in government is sufficient time for voters to evaluate our programs. It is not a one-way thing where we will just present our achievements so far. Rather, it will also enable us to assess our progress so that we can refine our strategic plans in areas where there are shortcomings.”
He added that the Pakatan’s platform in Penanti will continue to be based on issues that affect the nation.
“Despite the non-participation of Umno-BN, issue of their corruption, abuses of power, especially in illegal takeover in Perak are still of utmost concern to voters at this stage. In fact, everyone is concerned and wants to know what will happen next in this country.
“So these will remain the central issues that we will try to sort out for voters. Our by-election campaign cannot escape without discussing these, the people themselves will raise the questions!,” Tian said.
