KUALA LUMPUR – Two independents are hoping to make a difference in the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state by-elections on September 9.
Kuala Lumpur Consumer Safety Association president Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi, who is standing as an independent for the Pulai parliamentary by-election, said he is not “tired” of contesting even though he had lost in the past.
Though he admits that his chances are slim, he is adamant that his non-governmental organisation’s voice will be heard.
“I contested and lost in the Putrajaya parliamentary seat in the 15th general election (GE), but I am determined to contest again, even though there is a possibility I could lose my deposit.
“I want to contest, as I see too many power struggles instead of sincerity in fighting for the people’s rights,” he said.
The 47-year-old also said it is time for a “third bloc” to emerge in Parliament and raise the people’s concerns.
Samsudin, who is using the key symbol he also used in GE15, is facing Pakatan Harapan candidate, Johor Amanah vice-chairman Suhaizan Kaiat, who is also a former Johor state assembly speaker, and Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Zulkifli Jaafar, who is also Pulai Bersatu deputy chief.
Multilingual: boon for businessman’s campaign?
Over in Simpang Jeram, S. Jeganathan, 55, is all set to use his fluency in Hokkien to make inroads with Chinese voters in the constituency.
The businessman, who is also a father of six, said he is confident that his ability to speak four languages would give him an edge while campaigning.
This is the third time Jeganathan is contesting as an independent, having previously contested the Bukit Naning seat in GE14 and the Johor state election last year.
Jeganathan, who is using the “elephant” logo, also expressed his desire to have a campaign free of any 3R-related issues, which could jeopardise racial harmony.
He will be going against Bakri Amanah deputy chief Nazri Abdul Rahman and PN candidate PAS central committee member Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya, a medical doctor.
The Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state seats became vacant following the sudden demise of incumbent Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who was also domestic trade and cost of living minister, on July 23.
Polling day for the by-elections will be held on September 9, with early voting on September 5.
Based on EC data, there are 166,653 eligible voters in the Pulai parliamentary constituency and 40,379 voters in the Simpang Jeram state constituency. – The Vibes, August 27, 2023
