KKB polls: There should be no confusion when casting votes, says MP to Orang Asli

Cameron Highlands MP Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor (left) and Pakatan Harapan's candidate Pang Sock Tao (right) at Kampung Tun Abdul Razak Orang Asli village. Photo: KHOO GEK SAN/The Star.

HULU SELANGOR: The Orang Asli community is urged not to be confused when casting their votes in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election scheduled for May 11, says Cameron Highlands MP Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor.

Members of this group need to understand the current relationship between Barisan Nasional (BN), which they have traditionally supported, and Pakatan Harapan in the current Unity Government.

Representing the Orang Asli community, he emphasised that Barisan and Pakatan are now allies, not political adversaries.

To garner support from the Orang Asli for the Pakatan candidate in Kuala Kubu Baharu, Ramli, who also serves as the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, accompanied Pakatan’s candidate Pang Sock Tao to meet with Orang Asli voters from Kampung Tun Abdul Razak on Monday (April 29).

He highlighted that historically, from 1957 up until the 14th General Election (GE14), about 90% of Orang Asli's votes consistently went to Barisan. "However, during GE14, there was a drop to nearly 76% in Orang Asli support for Barisan. Yet, in GE15, Orang Asli support increased to over 80%," he explained.

"Therefore, it's clear why the Orang Asli in Kuala Kubu need to vote for Pakatan. Do you know why? Because Barisan and Pakatan are now friends, and we do not want to act against our allies," he said.

Meanwhile, Orang Asli village chief (Tok Batin) Tun Abdul Razak Asu Dollah, 66, expressed the community's desire for a representative from the ruling party who will address the Orang Asli concerns.

"It doesn't matter who becomes the representative, as long as they can fulfil their duties effectively. But one wonders how they can assist us if they can't even help repair our roofs and houses," he said.

Kuala Kubu Baharu is home to a total of 1,279 villagers.

The by-election in Kuala Kubu Baharu will feature a four-way race between Pakatan Pang Sock Tao, Perikatan Nasional’s Khairul Azhari Saut, Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM)’s Hafizah Zainudin, and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin.

Early voting is set for May 7, with the polls opening on May 11.