Political parties are increasing face-to-face activities as they vie for Kelantan

Green or blue: A boy cycling on a road filled with party flags ahead of the state election in Kemahang, Kelantan. — Bernama

KOTA BARU: Political parties in Kelantan are ramping up their campaign in the run-up to polling day.

Promises to uphold Islam, improve the supply of clean water and offer job opportunities and better infrastructure are the main points raised to entice the electorate in this east coast state.

Both Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional as well as PAS and Perikatan Nasional are taking a more personal approach in their election campaigns here.

Both sides are organising face-to-face meetings with the voters.

Kelantan PAS election director Zulkifli Mamat said this personal approach was a better tactic.

“We will be meeting voters on the ground in face-to-face gatherings. Mega ceramah featuring top leaders has ended, and we will be going to the ground and meeting the voters before election day.

“We are confident that we can retain Kelantan because we understand the people here and we know they want us to stay,” he said when contacted.

Similarly, Kelantan Barisan chairman Datuk Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub said the Barisan-Pakatan pact has increased face-to-face activities with voters.

“We have been meeting voters personally since day one of the election campaign and we will do more. All our candidates have been notified to continue doing this,” he said.

“Some may say we have no chance here but I have to disagree. There is a new mood in the air and voters want to see change.”Two friends, Nurul Rabiatul Adawiyah, 31, and Suhaira Bahar, 27, want to see more improvements in their state.

Nurul Rabiatul said she would like to see more job opportunities. She is still considering which party to vote for.

“I need a change. Our lives have been ‘stagnant’ for some time, so I am hoping for something different,” she said.

Suhaira is “almost sure” which party she will vote for. Clean water and better salaries for new workers are important to her.

“I always followed my family’s opinion on which party to vote for before, but I think I’m ready for a change,” she said.

Noraina Mardiya, who works at a convenience store, is struggling with the low pay and a lack of job opportunities in Kelantan.

“I have no issue choosing green or blue. My priority is my future. Maybe a change will do me good,” said the 26-year-old.

Political analyst Dr Mazlan Ali said it would be too soon to gauge voters’ perspective in the east coast state.

“We cannot underestimate one side and overestimate the other. If the 15th General Election last year taught us anything, it is that the voters’ mood will keep shifting, especially the youth.

“One sign we should look for in Kelantan is the turnout among outside voters going back to Kelantan.

“The returnees have always contributed the most votes to PAS. But the locals staying here say they want a change,” he said.