BN, Pakatan going all out to woo new voters
(The Star) – Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat political parties are going all out to win the hearts of about 2.9 million newly-registered voters in the coming general election.
Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Seri Noh Omar said Barisan MPs would change their approach towards voters.
“Normally, MPs would be present at events where the constituents invite us for. This time, we will seek out the constituents and check on their needs instead of waiting for an invitation from them,” said Noh, who is also the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister.
Hulu Selangor MP P. Kamalanathan said the focus was on youths, with a continuous effort in resettlement of rural youths in urban areas through specialised programmes.
“The president (Datuk Seri G. Palanivel) has been travelling around the country to reach out and let the public know of Government initiatives for the community, especially for Malaysian Indians,” said Kamalanathan, who is also MIC information chief.
MCA vice-president Gan Peng Sieu said the party’s groundwork had always been a continuous affair, though it was more intense during the election period.
“There will probably be more roadshows, campaigns and a mega rally closer to the election date, as the purpose would be to dispel the lies and fabrications against the party, which has even involved character assassinations,” he said.
The 2,920,828 new voters registered between 2008 and June 30 this year form about 22% of the electorate, or one in five of 13.1 million voters.
Gombak MP and PKR deputy president Azmin Ali said his party would not succumb to gutter politics, but would promote its policies to let the public decide.
“We will offer the rakyat, especially the youths, with clear policies on various aspects like education and economy and how we intend to address national issues,” he said, adding that the Pakatan Rakyat would finalise its budget by Friday.
Parit Buntar MP Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa said PAS would focus on “bread and butter” issues such as household income and cost of living during the run-up to the polls.
