HULU SELANGOR: For Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) candidate Hafizah Zainuddin, who is challenging candidates from two major coalitions in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, securing her deposit will be a win in itself.
Hafizah will face off against Pakatan Harapan's Pang Sock Tao, Perikatan Nasional's Khairul Azhari Saut and Independent Nyau Ke Xin in the May 11 polls.
Asked on her chance, Hafizah answered: "Retaining the deposit (RM5,000) is already a win."
She needs to obtain at least one-eighth (12.5%) of the total votes counted to keep her deposit.
The state seat in Selangor has 40,226 registered voters.
Hafizah, 50, said people will have a different perspective of the political landscape if she manages to obtain a certain amount of votes.
“This can be a catalyst towards bigger things.
“We may be a small party, but who else will raise community issues if not us?” she told a press conference after launching her manifesto here on Friday (May 3).
PRM president Ahmad Jufliz Faiza said the party was being realistic with the goal.
“Even if we get at least 3,000 votes, it can spark a change.
“Realistically, it is difficult for us to win but if we do, our candidate will fight for the issues raised in our manifesto,” he added.
Despite being a political greenhorn, Hafizah is unfazed by the battle ahead.
“I have been a social activist and I am used to meeting people to understand their needs.
“The locals here have responded well to me, I will try my best,” she added.
Hafizah's manifesto highlights six salient points.
It entails improving economic growth, especially among small and medium enterprises, and creating a community cooperative centre at each residential area.
It also proposes to set up an herbal technology hub to produce traditional medicine to spur the locals' participation in eco-tourism activities.
Others include to ensure all public infrastructure is fully functional and to improve the welfare allocations to the needy.
The Kuala Kubu Baharu seat was left vacant after the passing of incumbent Lee Kee Hiong from DAP on March 21.
