Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (left) at the Sarawak Ku Sayang programme on Sunday. -ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star
KUCHING: Despite being a veteran in Sarawakian politics, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said she still needs to head to the ground to familiarise herself with those in the Santubong constituency.
"It's sad that time is a factor this round. The period is too short to meet all the people in their respective villages here in Santubong," she said when met on Sunday (Nov 13) at the Sarawak Ku Sayang programme.
Nancy was now contesting in Santubong and not her previous Batang Sadong parliamentary seat, which she had represented since 2008.
On this, she said that she was intent on trying her very best despite this election being quite challenging.
"The people of Santubong still expect you to physically face them and get to know their wants and needs. They want to know the next leader of their constituency," said Nancy.
"Hence, I make it a thing to go to the ground to meet with them and introduce myself," she added.
When asked if she would consider Santubong a "safe seat", she responded that when it came to elections, nothing could be taken for granted.
"Every election is a new challenge for its candidates and you do your best to meet the expectations of the people," she added.
Nancy added that although on the outside it might look like the people were with you, things could go south the minute a hiccup occured.
"That is why I strive to make it work as hard as I can. But I am thankful to the party and its people as they have been a great help as always"
Nancy added that she hoped for a good win and that things would proceed smoothly.
In regards to meeting with any sexist remarks as had the women candidates in Peninsula Malaysia have, Nancy assured that in Sarawak, nothing of that sort happens.
"We are an open and liberal state. We have our Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who has made sure the female candidates who have always been there are retained in numbers," she said.
"Otherwise, we would not see women representatives in our fight. In that sense, we are very blessed indeed," added Nancy.
A voter who only wanted to be known as Timah said Nancy had always been a woman on the ground.
"She has also contributed a lot to her previous constituency and we hope she wins this time," she said.
Another voter who wanted to be known as Abeng described Nancy as a down-to-earth person who knows what the people of the constituency need.
"I've always heard and seen good things happen when she (Nancy) is around. She has always had the people's interests at heart and I think that's what makes her a good leader," he said.
Nancy is set to face a three-way fight among Pakatan Harapan's Mohamad Zen Peli and an Independent Affendi Jeman.
