Jeganathan may just defy the odds this time

MUAR: Having contested and lost in elections twice, Independent candidate S. Jeganathan believes he will not lose his deposit for the third time in the Simpang Jeram by-election.

“I’m sure I can do more than not lose my deposit. My aim is to win this election. Despite the odds, I believe it can happen,” he said.

Jeganathan had contested the Bukit Naning state seat twice, the first during the Johor state election and later during the 14th General Election (GE14).

He lost his deposit both times but was able to increase the number of votes from 364 in GE14 to 1,541 in the state election.

On the perception that independent candidates were there to split votes, the 55-year-old businessman disagreed.

“The votes I received are from the hard work I have done to meet each voter one by one. Those who voted for me are doing so because they have faith in me,” he said.

Jeganathan has been going around the Simpang Jeram area on his motorcycle to meet the people and find out more about the issues they are facing.

“It is easier for me to use my motorcycle to visit the houses and meet the people. I try to cover at least 30 houses a day during my campaign.

“I have 12 friends who are helping me with the campaign, but I’m doing most of it alone, including putting up banners,” he said.

Johor had seen a total of 38 individuals contesting for state and parliamentary seats as independents since GE13.

All of them lost their deposits after failing to get at least one-eighth, or 12.5%, of the total ballots cast.