PONTIAN – Several voters here say that incumbent MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan is “visible” in the constituency, but this does not necessarily mean he is always accessible.
One of the Rela (People’s Volunteer Corps) personnel on duty in the town here said: “Yes, it’s true that he (Ahmad) was always around but I would say that he wasn’t accessible to everyone.”
“Maybe to just certain groups close to him but certainly not everybody. I couldn’t even get a response when I tried to reach out to him.”
Meanwhile, a former teacher who goes by Ida was full of praise for Ahmad’s performance as Pontian MP.
I have to say that he is always around at community events. He also frequents the surau… I don’t think that anyone else can do what Ahmad Maslan did.
“Most people only make their presence felt come election, but are never to be seen again once the campaign season is over,” said the 67-year-old retiree.
She also said that she would continue to support Umno as the party has a proven track record in championing the Malays.
“You can always find fault in others, but Umno has shown that it caters for the Malays.
“Plus, Ahmad Maslan, although his character is a bit ‘kampung’ (village-like), he remains in touch with the locals here and has shown his sincerity in taking care of the people.”
Another local Pontian resident, who wished to be known only as Man, said he would either vote for the Barisan Nasional (BN) or Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate in this general election (GE15).
“Ahmad has a proven track record here, and he’s usually in the area. PN has made some inroads into the constituency and has garnered some support here. So for me, it’s either BN or PN.”
The 56-year-old, however, said it is unthinkable for him to vote for Pakatan Harapan (PH) since the coalition fielded a DAP candidate in Pontian for GE15.
I have nothing against PH but for me to vote for a DAP candidate in Pontian, that’s never going to happen.”
Ahmad, who is also Umno secretary-general, has represented Pontian since 2008.
Yesterday, Umno’s Pulai Sebatang assemblyman Hasrunizah Hassan sung the praises of Ahmad, saying that his presence was always felt in the constituency, especially during community events, weddings, aqiqah (a celebration of a newborn), and even funerals.
“His dedication to attend these events began when he started to become the MP here and he continued to do so even when BN did not form the federal government (in the aftermath of the 2018 general election). He has never failed to attend these occasions,” said Hasrunizah, who is also Pontian Umno’s women’s chief.
When met at the Pontian BN command centre yesterday, she said: “Choosing (voting for) a political party is not the same as choosing a life partner. It is said that when you want to choose your life partner, you must choose the best person among the best because that is who you are going to plan for your family future.”
But when it comes to politics, you must choose the lesser evil. Yes, I am a staunch Umno supporter, and I admit that my party sometimes makes mistakes. But so do the other parties.”
Pulai Sebatang and Benut are the two state seats under the Pontian constituency, which were won by BN-Umno in the state polls in March.
Pontian has always been a BN stronghold – the coalition is yet to lose the seat in any election since the country’s independence.
Some 75,212 registered voters are eligible to vote for their preferred Pontian MP on November 19.
The parliamentary constituency will see a four-way contest involving Ahmad, PN-Bersatu’s Datuk Isa Ab Hamid, PH-DAP’s Shazwan Zdainal Abidin, and Pejuang’s Jamaludin Mohamad.
Ahmad won Pontian in 2018 with a 833-vote majority, defeating candidates from PAS and Bersatu. – The Vibes, November 9, 2022
