Locals Have Mixed Opinions on Hulu Selangor Candidates

From http://www.malaysiandigest.com/news/36-local/3210-locals-hold-mixed-opinions-on-hulu-sgor.html

HULU SELANGOR: All eyes are on Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) Datuk Zaid Ibrahim and Barisan Nasional’s (BN) P. Kamalanathan in the Hulu Selangor by-election that is to take place this April 25.



Malaysian Digest talked to some locals in Kuala Kubu Baru town and Ulu Bernam about their opinions on Kalamanatan and Zaid and the respective parties the two candidates represent.

Shop assistant M. Manimala, 41, is not familiar with the two candidates though she recognizes Zaid from the news.

“I don’t know both of the candidates personally so I have no idea about who is going to win the by-election,” said the Ladang Sungai Jernih resident.


M. Manimala: "I don’t know both of the candidates personally."

Another Hulu Selangor resident, Isa Daud, 41, said he is not too concerned about which party the candidates are representing but what is most important to him is that the candidate must possess a certain calibre.

“I never really know P. Kamalanathan and BN even claim he is a local. But I think Datuk Zaid has the credibility to become a good leader,” said Isa.

Isa Daud: “I think Datuk Zaid has the credibility to become a good leader.”

V. Balasubramaniam, 67, said he does not know both of the candidates personally but he favours PKR.

“I think PKR has better chance of winning this by-election,” he said.

Meanwhile, Activist and writer, Antares, 60, said PKR has a good chance to retain the seat.

“I think Datuk Zaid Ibrahim is a good man. As for P. Kamalanathan, I’ve never heard of him until now,” Antares told Malaysian Digest.

Antares: "Zaid is a good man."

Antares, who has been living in Kuala Kubu Baru for more than 20 years, however, said that to make a transition, the rakyat should not only depend too mucch on the government.

“We also must change to be a good and honest citizen, and then the transition for the better government Is possible,” Antares said adding that for BN to reform, they must become the opposition for some time.

Malaysian Digest also asked the locals about Zaid’s recent revelation about consuming alcohol in the past and most voters said they don’t really mind as long as he is a proficient politician who performs.

Sundry shop owner, Tan Hun Soon, 60, said Chinese voters would have no problem with Zaid’s drinking past though it may be upsetting among Muslims.

“But for Chinese voters, I think they do not see it as bad thing,” he said.

Tan also said that for this by-election, he will vote based on the candidate’s reputation.

Gomathi Aramugam: “Whoever wins should do something to improve the
conditions in our area.”

“I use to vote based on party but this time around I will base my choice on the candidate,” he said.

Gomathi Aramugam, 30, said everyone has made mistakes in their lives, including politicians.

“But I think Zaid should not drink as it is not allowed in his religion,” she said.

Gomathi said, for this by-election, she will vote base on the party.

“I hope no matter who wins, he should do something to improve the conditions in our area,” she added.