KOTA BARU – A preference for slow living and a reluctance towards rapid development in their towns were reasons cited by voters in PAS strongholds Kelantan and Terengganu behind choosing the party again in the recent state polls.
“Why would we want Kelantan to look like Kuala Lumpur? There is pollution everywhere, and everyone is always in a mad rush.
“We do not want to live like that. Yes, we may not have fancy highways and high-rise buildings, but please remember, we like it this way.
“Even for those of us who work in the big cities, we look forward to returning home to the quiet and slow pace here,” Abdul Rahim, 36, who runs a small business in Kota Baru, told The Vibes.
Another voter, Hussein Sidek, 40, who works as an office administrator in Kuala Lumpur, said he works in the big city, but would never want his hometown in Kelantan to look like it.
“Maybe there are fewer opportunities in both Kelantan and Terengganu, but that does not bother us.
“We already have Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, Perak and other areas that are vastly developed with numerous job opportunities.
“What most political parties do not realise is that we do not want change. We love it as it is: the clean air, our beautiful beaches, and, most of all, the humble people.”
Mad rush
Other voters met shared similar sentiments, saying that the environment is much cleaner in Kelantan and Terengganu, with more familiar and friendly faces.
“Just look at the mad rush and jams in Kuala Lumpur. Why would anyone want that?
“I am sure people stuck in the daily traffic crawls for hours would much rather be living a quiet and peaceful life like what we do here,” said Sarimah Yusof, 44, from Terengganu.
She said she went to work in Penang for a year, but could not take the daily traffic jams and high prices of living there.
“Our state economy may not be as great as in other states. But one must remember that things are much cheaper, and we do not need huge salaries to lead a comfortable life here.
“People like my parents and siblings do not crave high-rise buildings and spanking new highways. We prefer our clean, white, sandy beaches anytime.” – The Vibes, August 19, 2023
