SEREMBAN: Barisan Nasional’s incumbent for the Pertang seat in the Negri Sembilan polls has hit back at his critics over allegations that he did not do much for the Chinese community in the constituency.
Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, who is state Umno chief, said that he has documented proof of his service and contributions to his constituents, including the Chinese community.
“I have a report card. I can provide you with proof of what has been done for the two Chinese schools, new villages, Chinese temples, and the sick and infirm,” he said.
Citing an example, Jalaluddin said he had given RM144,000 to SJK (C) Simpang Pertang and RM44,000 to SJK (C) Pertang since August 2023.
He said allocations were also given to the Simpang Pertang and Sg Lui Chinese new villages to upgrade infrastructure including the drainage system and lighting.
“Go and visit the Chinese temple in Pertang and ask their management what I have done for them,” he said.
Jalaluddin, who is also the Jelebu MP, spoke of having raised in the Dewan Rakyat the problems faced by a Tamil school, SJK (T) Ladang Pertang.
The school, he said, was eventually relocated to Simpang Pertang.
He expressed regret that his opponents were using scare tactics to gain support from voters.
“The Orang Asli voters are being told if Barisan wins, their land will be taken over.
“Others are being told that if Barisan is voted into power, benefits such as free monthly school bus fares will be stopped.
“Please do not make such wild allegations,” he said.
Jalaluddin is in a three-cornered fight with Pakatan Harapan’s Mohd Umry Abdul Khois and Bersatu’s Mohd Faizal Fadli Mohd Idrus.
In the last state polls, Jalaluddin won the seat with a 2,790-vote majority.
There are 12,873 voters in the constituency with the Chinese making up about 19%.
