MELAKA – It was a sight to behold for villagers from Kg Air Panas here, when former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin paid them a visit during his state election campaigning rounds yesterday.
Unfortunately, residents could only catch a glimpse of Muhyiddin from afar.
Such is the strict nature of election standard operating procedures (SOPs) that voters are unable to have any physical interaction with politicians, and vice versa for candidates.
One such resident is Ain Musfirah, who bemoaned the strict election SOPs barring physical meets.
The 25-year-old, who will be voting for the first time, acknowledged that the SOPs may prevent her from casting her ballot wisely.
“Due to the strict SOPs, we are less aware of the manifestos each party has.
“So, those who are less acquainted (with politics) would have less knowledge on the candidates competing in this election,” Ain told The Vibes.
Sharing a similar sentiment, Muhammad Shah Mihad expressed hope that the November 20 ballots will see further peace and development for the Bemban constituency.
However, with limited face time between candidates and voters, Shah questions how candidates will be able to address grouses from villagers in Kg Air Panas.
“Because voters and candidates have limited opportunities to meet, we aren’t aware of what plans they have for the state and constituency.
“Similarly for the candidates themselves, without meeting voters, they wouldn’t be aware of the issues we are facing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Roslan Muhammad Ali emphasised the importance of candidates being able to see and listen to voters.
Before Covid-19, Roslan said it is common for representatives to come down to Kg Air Panas and gauge the problems faced by residents.
This, he said, results in issues being solved faster.
“For the candidates themselves, they get a stronger response (from voters) if they are allowed to campaign.
“Now, with strict SOPs, it’s difficult for residents to express our complaints, and it is equally tough for candidates to know what issues are important to tackle.
“Previously, when representatives come down, our problems are usually addressed in a timely manner.
“This is because they get to see with their eyes and listen with their ears,” Roslan said.
Contending with flood issues
The villagers of Kg Air Panas seem content with their lives.
When asked if they had any issues that they wish they could relay to candidates in their constituency, the reply is simply “flooding”.
They clarified that although the floods do not overwhelm the whole village, they do affect a few houses and result in road closures that interfere with their travel plans.
Upon further inspection, it is learnt that the village – which was named after a hot water spring near the river – ironically causes flooding during heavy downpours.
“This village is located near the river, so our main and only issue is flooding.
“The previous assemblyman was aware of the floods, but the matter was not fully resolved,” Roslan said.
Additionally, Ain is of the view that the floods in her village are due to drainage issues, which must be addressed by candidates.
During Muhyiddin’s visit to the village yesterday, Perikatan Nasional Bemban candidate Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub said the flooding issue should have been addressed by the previous assemblyman.
Although unable to provide specifics, Dr Yadzil told The Vibes that if he is elected into office, he would come up with a plan for Kg Air Panas.
“The flood issue must be solved, but we must analyse the problem properly.
“If I am given the chance, I will take the opportunity to solve this flooding problem as it can’t be prolonged.
“But if you ask me how, I can’t say it now, as I must first be elected into office,” Dr Yadzil said.
He acknowledges that the election SOPs are strict, and hinders interactions between candidates and voters.
However, Dr Yadzil does not think he will find it hard to interact with voters, given that he has served as a doctor in the constituency.
“The SOPs now are strict, so we will use social media to campaign.
“Also, I have met with the residents here as I am a doctor. So I know the people’s complaints, and we base our manifesto on our interactions that we have had with them,” he added. – The Vibes, November 14, 2021
