For some in Nenggiri, there is no compelling reason to vote

The handful of Chinese voters see little benefit in casting their votes, one way or another.

(FMT) – With less than a week to go before the constituents in Nenggiri head for the polling booth, the 35 Chinese voters in the constituency remain less than enthusiastic.

Chan Oh Teh, for one, is likely to sit it out.

The 72-year-old lamented that despite having had different elected representatives over the years, she has yet to see any change in Kampung Batu 5.

She claimed the last assemblyman, Azizi Abu Naim, never provided aid to her family, nor did he visit them.

“It’s the same with all parties. The party that wins doesn’t drop by, while there’s not even a squeak from the one that loses, be it Barisan Nasional or PAS.

“So after they win (come Aug 17), there’s no guarantee they will go to the ground,” she told FMT.

For Chan, however it’s not just that she has not seen any changes.

She still holds a grudge against the government for failing to help her after the huge floods that struck Kelantan in 2014.

Chan said although her home was used to store aid for the victims, it all went to the victims of Kampung Batu 6, a neighbouring village.

“When we asked why help was only given to Kampung Batu 6, they said my home was not submerged in water and therefore we were not eligible for help.”

Another voter, Tong Bong Sing, said he could go out to cast his ballot if someone was willing to ferry him to the voting centre. “Otherwise, we won’t vote because I can’t drive,” the 71-year-old said.

Tong revealed that he had previously made the effort to go out to vote but realised that it was of little benefit.

“We don’t get anything from the party that wins or loses. So what’s the point of taking the trouble to go out to vote?”

Similarly, Toang Kain, from Kampung Batu 6, said he would only go out to cast his ballot if he is given money for petrol on the eve.

He said if the financial aid does not come his way, he would not go out to vote.

“I’m not going to use my own money. It (the voting centre) is quite far away,” he added.

The 20,259 voters in Nenggiri cast their ballots on Aug 17.