SEREMBAN: A representative should be judged by the problems he solves, not the functions he attends, said Perikatan Nasional's Mambau candidate Erik Michael.
In the final stretch before Saturday's (Aug 1) polls, he said the concerns residents raised most often were the cost of living, traffic congestion and the state of basic facilities in their housing areas.
"The people are not asking for anything grand.
"They want good roads, drains that are looked after, safe neighbourhoods and a representative who truly listens and settles their problems," he said.
He said a manifesto was only a starting point, and what mattered more was the resolve to deliver and to keep listening.
"I do not want people to vote because they believe in a promise.
"I want them to vote because they are sure someone will stay with them after the election," he added.
Michael said voters had changed. People no longer came only to listen to ceramah, but turned up with questions and hopes, he said.
He said this showed Mambau voters were maturing, and he hoped they would turn out in force on polling day.
He said the seat's future would be decided by its people, not its candidate.
He also appealed to those from Mambau working outstation to return and cast their votes on Saturday.
"One day to come home may have an effect on the next five years," he said.
He said he did not want the campaign to be remembered for the number of flags or ceramah, but for the time he spent meeting residents and listening to them.
"The campaign will end, but a representative's responsibility only begins after the results are announced.
"I came not for 15 days of campaigning, but for five years of service," he added.
Mambau, held by Pakatan Harapan, goes to the polls with the rest of Negri Sembilan on Aug 1.
Mambau is seeing a three cornered fight between Perikatan, Pakatan and Bersatu.
