Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email Pace of life quickens in Ijok
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/21/nation/17511663&sec=nation
Sri Hartini: Notes that locals in Ijok are feeling an air of importance. IJOK: The leisurely pace of life here has suddenly quicken with both an air of urgency and merriment as the campaigning for the by-election becomes more intense.
Strangers by the busloads have arrived and the banners and flags of the Barisan Nasional and Parti Keadilan Rakyat decorate the constituency.
Long-time resident Wee Ah Lee, 60, who helps her son operate a seafood restaurant in the heart of town, said that many strangers had been coming to eat at their restaurant.
“You can tell they are not locals. They dress differently and there is an air of importance about them. Their handphones are always ringing, they come in nice cars and their dressing is very modern,” said Wee.
“It is the by-election. It has turned our town merrier, more people, more activities and better still, more business for my shop,” she added.
Although illiterate, the mother of five said she had voted in all the elections.
“I do not know big, national issues. But I know the Government must make sure the roads are all right, there are enough schools for our children and more importantly, help us out when we have difficulties.”
Outside Wee’s shop, housewife Sri Hartini Jonoh, 51, fetched her son Mohd Shazrin Zaini from school on a motorcycle.
She also notes how locals here are feeling an air of importance as the whole nation watches the outcome of this by-election, which is expected to be a hard-fought one.
Asked which candidate would most likely win, Sri Hartini said it was a tough call.
“Even within my own family, there are divided views. I’ll vote for the party, not candidate, because I am choosing a party with a good track record of service.
“My siblings do not agree. Some think it’s the candidate that is more important because the candidate is the first person we go to for help.
“However, all of us agree that we cannot accept corruption, bad public service or arrogant leaders. The elected leaders must remember that they are there to serve us,” said Sri Hartini.
Long-time voter: According to Wee, the by-election has turned Ijok merrier with more people and activities going on. Selangor MCA secretary Datuk Ch’ng Toh Eng said that just like customers, Ijok voters were kings at the moment.
He said Barisan leaders and supporters who went canvassing were bombarded with requests for help and some were even criticised.
