NIBONG TEBAL: Perikatan Nasional candidate Abidin Ismail says what truly matters is his ability to connect and engage with the community, rather than whether he has a primary education or a diploma scroll.
The 56-year-old said he believed everyone, including himself, has their own strengths.
"Whether I have a primary school qualification or a diploma, people will still complain.
"That's not the issue; what's important is that we engage with the community," he said.
Days before nomination, there was talk that Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin's strong academic credentials could be key in wresting the seat from Perikatan.
The absence of Abidin's academic credentials in his campaign posters had been questioned.
Perikatan Nasional national election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, however, had said that having a good educational background did not necessarily mean the candidate was politically savvy.
"He can have a Master's degree or PhD, but if he doesn't know how to handle things in politics, he will fail," he said.
The Kedah Mentri Besar also described Abidin as a "smart" candidate who can be the voice of the constituents.
Meanwhile, Abidin said his team is mulling whether to organise a live screening of Euro 2024 matches on a big screen to attract young voters.
"Probably, PAS Youth will organise it soon, and, God willing I will attend it," he said.
When ask which team he supported, Abidin said he had not had the opportunity to watch the international football competition which started on June 14.
He said although he loves to play football, his busy schedule in politics has not allowed him to watch the live telecast matches.
