IPOH: Voters today are increasingly mature and can evaluate the gap between promises, manifestos, and actual performance, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
The MCA deputy president said voters, especially fence-sitters, want a government not bogged down by conflict but one that focuses on solving problems.
"They want to know whether the cost of living is under control, jobs are easily accessible, institutions are trustworthy and whether elected representatives are genuinely resolving their issues.
"They are not easily swayed by mere slogans nowadays," he said in his speech during the Perak MCA election training workshop here on Sunday (Aug 23).
"They look for social stability, a manageable cost of living, job opportunities, education for their children, safety, healthcare facilities, and a local administration that functions well and effectively.
"They also want elected representatives who are accessible, not those who only appear when elections are just around the corner," he added.
Also present were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, who opened the two-day workshop.
Dr Mah said a crucial principle for members was to win back votes, not drive them away through anger.
"There are voters who previously supported Barisan Nasional but later chose to support the other side; so we must not persist in labelling or insulting them.
"They may be disappointed, perhaps wishing to explore other options, or they may not yet clearly see what we have to offer," he said.
"Our task is to listen, address our shortcomings, provide good service, and convince them that Barisan and MCA have learned from the past and are ready to do a better job.
"We must win their hearts before we can win their votes," he added.
He also said that Barisan and MCA may not need to be the most vocal or loudest, but they need to be the most trusted.
"We also need to be more capable and reliable when it comes to resolving people's problems.
"The people are not looking for a perfect government, but one that is honest about challenges, efficient in decision-making, and stable in leadership. That is what we offer," he added.
