JOHOR BARU: For some voters, it’s still a big question: Vote for the person or the party?
For Maressa Esa, 35, the candidate’s accessibility and ability to serve the community matters more to her than party affiliation.
“I will be voting based on the candidate because I want a representative who would genuinely serve the area regardless of age or race.
“An elected representative should be approachable and frequently engage with residents to resolve issues, rather than only appearing during official events or when distributing aid,” said Maressa, who works in tourism.
Businessman V. Raja Selan, however, said his choice would be based on the political party.
The party would ultimately be responsible for forming the next state government, he said.
Raja Selan, 60, said he would evaluate parties based on their past performance, adding that a stable party with political experience would give confidence to Johoreans.
“As a Johor Baru resident, I have witnessed how the city has transformed and developed in the past four years.
“Administering Johor is not easy because the state is so close to Singapore,” he said.
Homemaker Wong Chin Hui, 35, also said she would be voting based on party line.
“While a good candidate is important, I believe the real change comes from the direction, policies and strength of the whole team rather than any individual alone,” she said.
She hoped the next state government would strive to improve education standards, public transportation and healthcare services, while addressing the rising cost of living.
Tenang state seat voter Razela Nurul Awang Lana, 28, said she would choose a candidate whom she is familiar with, especially on issues impacting the Orang Asli community.
“Voters need representatives they can rely on after the election is over. As an orang asli, I want an assemblyman who can be the bridge between us and the related government bodies.
“We do not want leaders who win and disappear for the next four to five years and reappear again during election season.”
For the latest updates on the 16th Johor state election,visit https://elections.thestar.com.my/
