KLUANG: The experience of living in poverty is the main motivation for Perikatan Nasional's candidate for the Mahkota by-election to help others, particularly young people, escape similar circumstances.
Mohamad Haizan Jaafar, 61, shared that his success in life came through his talent for sports, eventually leading him to become a football coach in Kluang.
"I grew up in a poor family, and during my childhood, my neighbours and teachers supported me a great deal.
"My teacher gave me a pair of football boots because I was good at the game. Those boots also doubled as my school shoes and for other sports activities.
"This sparked my ambition to help others, especially young people with potential in sports who need guidance and support," he said.
He said this when met after a walkabout at a restaurant on Jalan Ciku on Saturday (Sept 14).
Asked about some of the athletes that he had helped, Mohamad Haizan shared that he had trained Mohana Sundram and Fazren Hamzah, who both played for Harimau Malaya and Johor in the 1990’s.
When asked about his vision for Mahkota, Mohamad Haizan said he plans to introduce more public sports facilities in the constituency.
"Everywhere you go in Kluang, sports facilities have to be rented.
"What about those who can’t afford it? This is where we need to step in and assist, particularly the less fortunate," he added.
When asked about his leisure activities, the father of three shared that he spends most of his free time with his two-year-old grandson.
The Mahkota seat became vacant following the death of its assemblyman, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, 63, on Aug 2.
Barisan Nasional is fielding Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah, 40, who is also Kluang Umno Youth chief, to defend the seat.
