SEGAMAT: Warm greetings, handshakes and brief conversations marked Barisan Nasional candidate See Ann Giap's recent walkabout in Jementah, where many residents appeared eager to catch up with the MCA candidate.
The reception reflected the image of a hardworking "teddy bear", as caretaker Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi recently described See, while the candidate stopped to greet traders, chat with residents and listen to their concerns.
See, who lost the Jementah seat by just 714 votes in the 2022 state election, said voters from all communities had been warm throughout the current campaign.
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For See, however, the relationship did not resume with the upcoming election.
He said he never stopped serving residents after his narrow defeat, returning to the ground the very next day before continuing his work as a municipal councillor.
"I didn't see myself leaving despite losing. It's an indication I should work harder for the people in Jementah," he said.
See said his years of grassroots service had shaped his campaign message, "an ju le ye", or "to live and work in peace and contentment", which reflects his belief that residents are more concerned about everyday issues such as roads, drains and streetlights than grand promises.
"If the people need you, you should be there. That's the responsibility of an assemblyman," he said.
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Jementah is seeing a three-cornered contest, with See taking on incumbent Ng Kor Sim of Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional's Saifullah Wahab.
Ng is seeking another term to continue projects already in the pipeline, including Jementah's proposed bus terminal, which she said would allow residents to travel directly to other parts of Johor and Peninsular Malaysia.
Speaking at a recent ceramah, Ng said close to RM1mil had been secured from the Housing and Local Government Ministry last year for land and preliminary works, with the project now about 30% complete.
"I want to see Jementah having its own bus terminal, so that passengers can have a safer place to be.
"Among my next priorities would be to obtain funding for the second phase of the project… and expanding the installation of solar-powered street lights in the constituency," she said.
Ng said both initiatives were aimed at improving daily life for residents through better connectivity and more sustainable public infrastructure.
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Saifullah, meanwhile, has centred his campaign on his J.E.M.E.N.T.A.H. action plan, unveiled during the launch of his manifesto.
If elected, he pledged to establish a service centre within his first 60 days, contribute 20% of his assemblyman's allowance to a constituency welfare fund, and set up a volunteer network to improve the delivery of assistance.
"I do not want to be remembered for my words. I want to be judged by my actions," he said.
Saifullah said the plan was built on feedback from residents.
"My work would focus on improving welfare, creating economic opportunities, empowering youths, strengthening education and spiritual development, protecting the environment, upgrading basic infrastructure and fostering unity in the constituency.
"I do not promise perfection. But I promise to work hard, listen to the people and carry out this responsibility with full commitment," he said.
Johor goes to the polls on Saturday (July 11).
