PAPAR: As the 17th Sabah State Election campaign enters its seventh day on Friday (Nov 21), two first-time candidates in Papar continue to rely on a classic approach, going from door to door to meet voters in person.
Although the method may seem old-fashioned in the digital age, both candidates believe the approach allows them to mingle and interact directly with voters, while providing space to hear concerns and views on local issues in each village.
"The most important thing is that I can reach voters' hearts. We become closer to them. Sometimes there are six or seven people in one house.
"At the same time, I get direct feedback on the problems in each village. Every village faces different issues," he told Bernama after visiting residents in Kampung Langsat and Kampung Sabok, near Kinarut.
Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for Pantai Manis, Datuk Pengiran Saifudin Pengiran Tahir, said the traditional strategy remains important and relevant, as it complements social media campaigning.
He said face-to-face engagement remains the most effective platform for building trust and ultimately winning over voters.
"Alhamdulillah, the campaign has been running for seven days, and our approach is the classic, traditional one, going house to house to meet the people. This is important, alongside ceramah (political talks)," he said after visiting residents in Kampung Kelanahan with his campaign machinery.
He added that the approach gives him more space to explain his party's development plans and manifesto more clearly and effectively.
The Kawang and Pantai Manis state constituencies, which have 23,823 and 20,026 voters respectively, are two of the three state seats under the Papar parliamentary constituency.
Polling is scheduled for Nov 29, with early voting on Nov 25. – Bernama
