Teluk Intan by-election: Mah’s election manifesto more substantial

PETALING JAYA: Gerakan president and Barisan Nasional's Teluk Intan by-election candidate Datuk Mah Siew Keong has made more specific promises for the constituency in his election manifesto. 

In a press statement, non-governmental organisation Kuasa compared Mah’s manifesto with that of DAP’s candidate, Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud.

“Though it leans on the 203 state general election manifesto, Mah has promised to turn the area into a manufacturing, agricultural and food hub for lower Perak. 

“Mah should be also credited for issuing his manifesto first, even if it is a week late,”  said Kuasa chief executive Praba Ganesan on Wednesday.

Praba also noted that the candidates’ delay in issuing their manifestos was a tactical move to out-wait each other instead of allowing enough time for those promises to be dissected by the public and media.

During Mah’s two-time tenure as Teluk Intan MP, he supported more focus to the bandar baru (new town) side of the constituency, which caused question marks over moving back development to the riverfront area.

“However, residents still see him positively for his role in resolving long term drainage and irrigation issues for the constituency, which used to cause flooding,” said Praba. 

Apart from 1Malaysia Housing Programme (PR1M) affordable homes, and higher internet penetration, another interesting promise of Mah’s include the listing of national monument Menara Condong as a UNESCO heritage site.

On the other hand, the pillars to Dyana’s manifesto appear to be her objection to GST, mismanagement of federal funds and corruption. 

They are not accompanied by grounds on how she would raise more awareness or inspire young people to participate in the fight against the three issues, which would have enhanced her weight in the matter. 

Also in her manifesto are pledges to work with local businesses to create more jobs and opportunities for young people, as well as efforts to ease the burden for working mothers.

Though Dyana is entitled to mostly focus on national issues instead of purely local ones, Kuasa opined that she has to present her credentials to improve the championing of those issues.

“While there is a strong incumbency advantage for Barisan and it is the right of MPs to focus on national issues, any aspiring opposition MP has to present a substantial value proposition for themselves,” said Praba. 

Unfortunately, Dyana’s national opinion maker manifesto appears to be short on details, especially with regards to how she aims to achieve her goals of women holding 30 per cent of parliamentary seats and senior positions in public-private sectors.

“Therefore in a fair assessment between herself and Mah, it is obvious that the latter has the advantage in having a clear value proposition for the Teluk Intan voters,” said Praba, adding that the truth of the promises can only be assessed completely when the winner sets out to achieve them.