TAMBUN – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to face an uphill battle in trying to capture Tambun in the coming election, with initial reactions from the ground over his candidacy affirming his own projection that it will not be smooth sailing.
Not even his nomination as Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) choice of prime minister in the event of the coalition’s victory was able to properly convince some of the voters, promising what is to be one of his toughest elections yet.
In the past seven times Anwar had vied in an election, his 2013 contest in Permatang Pauh was perhaps the closest run – even then, he managed to secure a healthy 58% of the vote count.
His other six contests saw him securing a comfortable 66% to 76% of the overall ballots cast.
But with Bersatu deputy president and former Perak menteri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu set to defend the Tambun seat, and Anwar entering largely unknown territory, this could offer the opposition leader his biggest electoral challenge to date.
Everyone had their chance, time for Anwar to lead?
Speaking to The Vibes, seven-time Tambun voter Zabedah Ibrahim, 61, said while Faizal has performed considerably well in his first term as lawmaker, there is still room for further improvements, and wondered if this could happen via a change of MP.
With Anwar having been formally named as the prime minister candidate, Zabedah, who prefers to be called Kak Bed, mused on what this may mean for the greater good of the constituency.
“Even if we look at the larger picture of the federal administration, everyone has had their chance at the premiership,” she said, ostensibly referring to senior politicians such as Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“Only Anwar hasn’t had that opportunity. What’s wrong with giving him a chance to prove his mettle? If he’s not okay, then after five years, we can vote him out.”
However, Zabedah, who is a food stall operator, said the possibility of having a prominent figure like Anwar representing Tambun alone should not be the sole consideration come voting day, instead of what the candidates have to offer.
“I myself have not decided who to vote for. Of course, we all want the best candidate who can improve Tambun. But we must consider properly before casting our ballot on November 19.
“I hope voters don’t make a mistake,” she said, adding that the promise of political stability should also be at the forefront of voters’ decision, following years of instability at both the state and federal levels.
Whoever wins Tambun, please do your best, prioritise the rakyat. Without the rakyat, you won’t be here.”
During the PH convention on Thursday, Anwar confirmed that he will contest the Tambun seat in the 15th general election, ending weeks of speculation about his next constituency, and said Perak will be the frontline of the coalition’s conquest of Putrajaya.
“I won’t choose an easy seat that guarantees a huge majority. I am the leader and I am brave enough to capture Tambun in the general election.
“I admit, it will be tough. I admit this (Perak) is not our usual battlefield. But I come with confidence to wrestle Tambun and Perak! Although I know there are several big names in Perak, I am prepared to show that it is not impossible,” he had said.
Peja deserves another go – or not
For a 55-year-old canteen operator who only wanted to be known as Nanan, while the prospect of Anwar being the Tambun MP is very appealing, the PKR president’s age could be a huge factor in deciding who will lead the constituency.
He said being a much younger politician, Faizal promises better continuity in the longer run and will be more energetic in carrying out his official duties as a lawmaker, with on-the-ground work with the community.
“Politics is not a game of one or two years. We don’t know how long these older politicians can last. At most, I give him five years before he runs out of steam. What then? There’s no continuity,” he said.
“But that’s the thing about Malaysian politics. Once the rakyat give their mandate to a certain someone and are okay with the individual, there will always be someone else trying to take over. If a new MP comes in, he will be learning from scratch. That’s rubbish-lah.
“Not to say Anwar is not good, but I feel his time is up. If it is up to me, I’d keep Peja,” he said, referring to Faizal.
Nanan said while Faizal’s performance as MP is not perfect, it would be unfair for Malaysians to pass judgement based on an electoral term that has been largely ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added that Faizal’s stints as menteri besar and youth and sports minister in the past five years showed he is an invaluable asset who should be given another chance.
This sentiment, however, was not shared by 64-year-old fruit seller Mizalan Ismail, who said Faizal’s performance pales in comparison to his predecessor, Umno’s Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah, who was a five-term MP in Tambun before his 2018 defeat.
With this in mind, he said he could only react with joy and hope upon hearing Anwar would be contesting the seat in the coming polls.
“I’m just happy (Anwar is contesting). Perhaps there will be changes in Manjoi... I am hoping for the best,” he said, referring to one of two state constituencies under Tambun, the other being Hulu Kinta.
“Under Faizal, I didn’t get any (help). When my wall collapsed (because of a storm), there was not a single (form of) aid. Covid-19 assistance was also absent,” he said, adding that it was difficult to see the Bersatu man on the ground throughout his incumbency.
Malaysia will head to the polls on November 19, with the Election Commission setting polling day two weeks earlier on November 5. – The Vibes, October 23, 2022
Additional reporting by Lancelot Theseira
