FOR election newbie, S. Gana (pic), his career as an actor and comedian in the local entertainment industry have helped establish his profile among the Malay and Indian voters in the Subang Jaya constituency.
“A number of people from the Malay and Indian community recognise me from my Tamil films. It also helps to have an established social media following,” said the Perikatan Nasional candidate.
“The challenge is to make myself known among the Chinese community, who make up 54% of total voters.
“To do that, I will distribute flyers and introduce myself during walkabouts at commercial centres and other public places.
“Those who met me asked about my background and what I will do for Subang Jaya if elected,” he said.
While he was born in and lives in Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Gana said he is familiar with Subang Jaya as he has friends and business associates residing here.
Noting that it was impossible to meet all the 111,970 registered voters, Gana said he uses both social media and in-person methods for his election campaign.
The latter method is small and targeted, such as meeting resident groups, visiting places of worship and having walkabouts in high-traffic public places.
He has roped in his four sons, aged between 21 and 16, to help with campaigning work such as flyer distribution, logistics as well as engagement with the media and Chinese voters.
His second and youngest sons studied at Chinese vernacular schools.
The 55-year-old, whose full name is Gana Pragasam Sebastian, is Selangor Bersekutu (Bersatu’s non-bumiputra wing) vice-president and Sungai Buloh Bersekutu chief.
He was formerly Selangor information chief of the People’s Progressive Party.
His profile also lists him as a producer, director and businessman.
On his manifesto, Gana said it covers infrastructure, cleanliness and health matters such as improving traffic management system, upgrading drainage and sewerage system, improving cleanliness of public places and residential areas, organising sports programmes and improving sports facilities, among others.
“I want to tackle traffic congestion by implementing a more efficient traffic management system. For example, there could be a contra flow or dedicated lane on highways so those who want to go to Kuala Lumpur or Shah Alam at peak hours can bypass Subang Jaya,” he said.
“Both residents and business operators complain about issues such as rubbish collection, drainage, parking and ageing facilities, which means local council services are not up to par and councillors are not doing their jobs properly.
“The backlanes can be cleaned up and have murals and street lighting installed, so people can safely walk or even have their meals there.”
For the business and education community, Gana hopes to make Subang Jaya a business hub in Selangor and enhance services to benefit the large tertiary-level student community there.
“The business hub will specialise in a particular industry or sector to offer job and economic opportunities for young people.
“There is a need for more sports and recreation facilities to encourage children to exercise and be less glued to their digital devices, as well as promote family bonding,” he said.
Gana is locked in a three-cornered fight against Pakatan incumbent Michelle Ng Mei Sze from DAP and Muda’s Zayd Shaukat.
