TAPAH: Ayer Kuning voters want their new state representative to always engage with the constituents.
Eka Anggraini Azuardi, a 40-year-old apam balik seller, said residents want someone approachable like the late assemblyman Ishsam Shahruddin.
“We want someone responsive and grounded, not someone who is only seen during elections,” she said.
She expressed her unhappiness with the one-way traffic system and lack of parking, which are hurting traders in Bukit Baldwin.
“The one-way traffic system implemented in certain areas is not ideal.
“Traders near Bukit Baldwin are struggling, with some finding it hard to make even RM50 a day.
“There’s also not enough parking, which affects both customers and traders,” she said.
Businessman Chong Thin Tuck, 53, cited poor road conditions and water supply disruptions in the area.
“The road condition here is quite bad, which I believe is caused by lorries. There are also potholes everywhere. Repair works are only done during elections,” he saids.
Street vendor Sarah Isa, 45, said the elected representative must continue working for the people beyond the campaigning period.
“Don’t just show up during elections,” she said, adding that the representative should be someone who cares about the locals and can find solutions to issues.
Sarah also said that many locals were unfamiliar with Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), whose candidate KS Bawani is contesting in the by-election.
“For PSM, most people here don’t really know them, so their chances seem uncertain,” she claimed.
Retiree V. Ganesan, 65, who has met all three candidates from Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional and PSM, believes Barisan is likely to perform well due to its established presence and past performance under Ishsam.
“I think Barisan will do well because the late Ishsam did a lot for the people.
“Barisan is also well-established here and many older voters like me are comfortable with the service they have provided,” he said.
