BUTTERWORTH – Reflecting concerns of low voter turnout in the upcoming state polls, Penang PKR chief Nurul Izzah Anwar has called on all registered voters numbering 1.4 million to come out in droves to cast their ballots on August 12.
She said it is important to send a message by voting that people will not stand for the politics of hatred.
She said that everywhere in the world, opportunists wield webs of lies and slander, as it is easier to do so than to campaign based on the premise of truth.
“After all, the truth hurts at times…but it is necessary to ensure that the people know what they need to move progressively forward,” said the former Permatang Pauh MP.
She was addressing the audience at the launching of the Penang Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional unity 16-point manifesto at the Penang International Convention Centre here last night.
She said that a low turnout is not productive for a state aiming to showcase the achievements of the PH government at the state level.
“Also, it may dilute the sentiment of the majority of residents here that they simply detest the tactics of lies and slander as espoused by the PH rivals,” said Nurul Izzah.
She said that it is easy to propagate lies but harder and courageous to tell the truth, as at times people do not welcome elements which may undermine their comfort zones.
Public holiday?
DAP chairman and former Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng urged the present caretaker chief minister Chow Kon Yeow to consider declaring August 12 as a public holiday to entice voters to come out.
Lim said that PH and BN have promised a slew of infrastructure projects to alleviate congestion throughout the state from the light rail system link to new roads and more investments to enhance the economy.
“What has the opposition offered in return, besides telling people that if they support us they will go to hell?” he said.
Lim said that voters who are overseas or outstation can also be lured back to ensure they participate in the process to give hope to a unity administration, whose main duty is to repair the damages of corruption riddled administrations and to stimulate economic growth. – The Vibes, August 2, 2023
