Star speakers fighting to not lose their voice

PETALING JAYA: With campaigning to end in 72 hours, the “star speakers” of every political party are fighting to have their voice heard, literally.

Even the best of orators would dread having to go silent, now that the finish line is in sight.

So they have to keep up with their hectic schedules and countless speaking engagements, despite the risk of ending up with a hoarse voice.

It’s been a big rush for politicians like PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli.

“I can be in Johor tonight and Kedah the next day.

“It’s always a day trip. These events will normally end past midnight,” said Rafizi, 45.

To keep his voice, he takes Chinese herbal medicine, besides consuming Vitamin C supplement to maintain his health.

“That is really important. I consume that a lot during the campaign or else I will definitely lose my voice,” he said.

The Pandan Pakatan Harapan candidate said he would normally only get two-and-a-half to three hours of sleep during the campaign period.

“But from a young age, I have been getting between four and five hours of sleep, so it is not as if this is a big change to my daily schedule,” he said.

Besides ceramah, party briefings and media engagements, Rafizi is involved in producing content to be uploaded on Facebook and TikTok.

Muda candidate for the Tanjung Piai seat, Lim Wei Jiet, said he has been trying to avoid spicy food.

“I drink a lot of water and my mum makes herbal tea for me. That probably works,” he said.

He also paces himself amid the packed schedule and tries to stay healthy.

Parti Bersatu Sabah president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said that prior to accepting his candidacy for the election, he went for a medical check-up.

“Before I made my decision, I did medical check-ups. I went to IJN. They said I am in perfect health.

“At the same time, you still have to take care of your body and have enough rest.

“And of course, God is the ultimate protector,” he added.

Ongkili, 69, who is contesting under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, is in a six-cornered fight for the Kota Marudu parliamentary seat.

Nur Fathiah Syazwana Shaharuddin, better known as Cleopatra, who is standing as an Independent in the Batu parliamentary seat, said she tried to eat healthy and avoid oily food.

“I do not take any supplements other than eating lots of greens. I only take Vitamin C if I’m feeling under the weather,” she said.

Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia president Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, who is an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon, said the human voice has its limitations in a particular day and over-using it could cause damage.

“The rule of thumb is to limit your talking time to a maximum of one hour and breathe adequately, speak without straining your voice and have gaps in between your speech as it’s crucial to give time for your voice box to rest,” he said when contacted.

Dr Kuljit advises candidates to use microphones, especially in big areas, to avoid straining the voice.

He also spoke on the importance of consuming a lot of water instead of sweet drinks.

“Eat nutritional food, as you’re on your feet.

“Avoid fast food. Sometimes, campaigning will make you consume too much of the wrong food,” he said.