JOHOR BARU – While PKR’s Larkin candidate Dr Zamil Najwah Arbain is disappointed with Muda’s decision to field a candidate in the constituency, he has his defences set against what he terms as the real enemy: Barisan Nasional (BN).
Speaking to The Vibes at PKR’s Larkin command centre, Dr Zamil said that the party’s grassroots were indeed angry with Muda's move, adding however that his party had left the door open for negotiations.
The 48-year-old said that, in the end, it is fine if Muda does not find itself agreeing with PKR’s offer, as these things happen even within his party.
“Even in PKR itself, this happens. Not everyone will be happy with the final decision, but we will stick to the decision.
Muda’s move, however, goes outside of the framework of a coalition,” Dr Zamil said.
He pointed out that PKR could have retaliated by fielding candidates in constituencies where Muda is contesting such as Puteri Wangsa, but he said his party is mature, as such moves do no good.
Dr Zamil said he and PKR should not lose their focus during this Johor election by worrying too much about the clash with the young party.
He pointed out that his strategy to wrest the constituency has not changed, despite Muda entering the fray.
“For me, the enemy is BN. So, let’s see how the voters decide,” Dr Zamil said.
BN ‘kicking the people around like a football’
Dr Zamil noted that this state election was not needed in the first place, instead having been forced upon the people of Johor.
If BN wins on March 12, he said, such an outcome would mean that the already struggling people of Johor may be heading to the polls again in two to three months’ time.
Dr Zamil went on to slam the BN-led state government for dissolving the assembly during a pandemic, where people are being hit hard by unemployment and are unable to cope with the rising prices of goods.
Drawing parallels to football, he said the people are being treated by the BN coalition like a ball – kicked and passed around for its own gain.
Further, despite BN’s claims that it would need a strong majority to govern Johor, Dr Zamil said the state government was not even facing any pressure or threat within the legislature.
“No one is pushing or threatening (to topple) the state government. There’s proof if you look at the facts. The 2022 state budget was passed in the state assembly.
It’s just that with a smaller majority, they must listen to our recommendations, which would be healthy for the rakyat.”
‘Who’s going to bring your voice forward if you’re apathetic?’
Dr Zamil admitted that he is aware of sentiments on the ground, particularly voters’ apathy towards politics and politicians in recent times.
However, he promised that Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) aim is to ensure voters’ voices, wants and needs are brought forward.
Dr Zamil also made a plea to voters in other constituencies to do research on their representatives before voting, pointing out that he is fortunate that in Larkin, people are aware of his background as a medical doctor.
Asked if PKR’s decision to refrain from using the PH logo – unlike their peers in DAP and Amanah – would confuse voters, Dr Zamil pointed out that the party was testing a strategy put forth by their grassroots.
“The PKR logo is not foreign. In fact, we won the last general election using the logo. So, when we experienced a series of losses in state and by-elections using the PH logo, our grassroots recommended using the PKR logo.
“Simply put, we are testing the market.” – The Vibes, March 3, 2022
