BALIK PULAU – Datuk Seri Sabaruddin Ahmad is not the run-of-the-mill independent candidate that voters here have encountered before. Instead, he is a hard-nosed businessman, who is keen on serving constituents in his home town after making it big in Kuala Lumpur.
He also turned heads when he stormed into town on a motorcycle convoy with rockstar Datuk Awie riding beside him. The Wings frontman was in town to drum up support for Sabaruddin – who has been described as a good friend and a strong supporter of the Malay music community.
“We want to prove that Balik Pulau can be served by anyone as long as they have the interest of the people at heart,” said Sabaruddin.
He has gone around promising traders here that he would help improve their livelihoods if elected. He is also trying to make history by becoming the first independent candidate to win a seat in Penang – which has a history of third voice in politics.
Incumbent from Pakatan Harapan (PH) Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik is battling a six-cornered fight with Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Shah Headan Ayoob Hussain Shah seen as his main rival.
Bakhtiar, 57, had served as the deputy tourism, arts and culture minister from 2018 to 2020.
However, he is banking on his track record as an MP, especially during the pandemic and his efforts to improve the tourism industry here.
Other challengers are Perikatan Nasional’s Muhammad Harris Idaham Abdul Rashid, 30, who is youngest, Ahmad Fazli Mohammad, 47, of Pejuang and another independent Datuk Seri Johnny Ch’ng Ewe Gee, 50.
Malaysians will head to the polling stations this Saturday, while early voting is set for tomorrow. – The Vibes, November 14, 2022
