JOHOR BARU: While the spotlight in the Johor state election has largely been on candidates from the major political coalitions, independent hopefuls are offering to be an alternative voice for the people.
Bukit Naning candidate S. Jeganathan, 58, is the most familiar face among them, as this is his fourth electoral outing despite losing his deposits in all three previous contests.
He said he has been using his own resources, including lorries, to carry out minor road repairs after receiving complaints from residents who claimed that previous elected representatives were unresponsive to their concerns.
In Paloh, engineer G. Kamaleswaren, 44, is hoping to put the constituency “on the right track”, choosing the train as his election symbol.
He said Paloh, located about 30km from Kluang town, could benefit from the Electric Train Service (ETS) by developing agro-tourism, small businesses and the local economy.
Another independent hopeful, 36-year-old restaurant owner Siti Aisyah Zobir is contesting Tenang with the hope of addressing the people’s issues such as lack of job opportunities, limited economic prospects and poor Internet connectivity in rural areas.
Former Umno assemblyman Kamaruzaman Ali is making a political comeback after 13 years by contesting Bukit Batu as an independent in a five-cornered fight.
Businessman Lim Hun Peaw, 53, who is contesting Johor Jaya, said he decided to enter the race about a week before nomination day after receiving encouragement from family and friends.
He chose the key as his election symbol to signify that “the key to a better future lies with the people”.
The same symbol is also being used by his friend, Wang Wee Siong, 49, an independent candidate contesting Puteri Wangsa.
Wang, who works in manufacturing and construction, said independent candidates could devote themselves fully to serving constituents without party obligations.
