Bagan Pinang: PAS unveils campaign manifesto

Written by Chua Sue-Ann, The Edge  

PAS today formally announced its candidate Zulkefly Mohamad Omar’s campaign manifesto for the Bagan Pinang by-election, seeking to put an end to earlier vagueness on its campaign pledges.

PAS Bagan Pinang by-election director Salahuddin Ayub today said Pakatan Rakyat (PR) on Monday resolved several “big questions” with regards to its candidate’s manifesto, which would emphasize local infrastructure and environmental problems.

“In simple language, PAS candidate Zulkefly Mohamad Omar wants to enhance (the area’s) prosperity, quality of life and become an agent of check and balances in the Negeri Sembilan state assembly to ensure that corruption is fought and (governance) wastage prevented,” Salahuddin told a press conference here today.

The first of the three key items on Zulkefly’s manifesto, according to Salahuddin, are to resolve drainage problems that have been causing flash floods, water pollution and the rampant breeding of flies.

Inadequate drainage and its associated problems have been a major concern for local residents, affecting tourism and the local fishing industry in particular.

Zulkefly, a local businessman, also intends to put pressure on the relevant authorities to immediately complete upgrades scheduled for the main road between Teluk Kemang and Pasir Panjang here, Salahuddin said.

Salahuddin, who is PAS vice-president, added that Zulkefly also would draw on his experience in leading a successful six-year campaign against the Broga incinerator to resolve environmental problems that has since affected Port Dickson’s tourism industry.

Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad has been similarly campaigning on local issues and pledging development while emphasizing his insight and experience having previously been Negeri Sembilan menteri besar for 22 years.

When contacted, Zulkefly said the three issues were merely his “local manifesto” to address community issues and that his campaign will also take on larger discourses.

“We will also address the larger national issues but I shall allow our campaign leaders to coordinate those so that the message is clear during our ceramahs.

“I just want to focus on these local issues and explain the possible solutions to local residents and voters,” Zulkefly said.

Today, Salahuddin highlighted three abandoned projects in the Teluk Kemang area, blaming Umno and BN for alleged “false projects”.

Earlier, the PAS vice-president promised to make daily revelations about Isa’s weaknesses when the latter helmed the state, in a bid to discredit Isa’s claims that he would bring continued development to the area.

“These are false development projects. A white elephant … So, there is no need for Umno and BN to say that PAS is a party that rejected development when they have been doing false development,” Salahuddin said.

Campaigning for the Bagan Pinang state seat has entered its fourth day today ahead of polling on Oct 11.

The Bagan Pinang state seat fell vacant after the death of its Umno incumbent Azman Mohammad Noor on Sept 4.

Azman won the seat in last year’s general election after defeating PAS’ Ramli Ismail with a majority of 2,333 votes.