Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email Even though the DAP candidate is focusing on Indian voters, the majority are the Chinese. If they can be convinced that she can do better than the incumbent, then she’ll havea better chance.
ELECTION 2008/Hot seats: DAP eyeing Indian votes
By : T.N. Alagesh
source
BENTONG: After the men failed to capture the Sabai state seat in the last three general elections, the DAP seems to be turning to women power to do the job. It has put up D. Kamache, a tuition teacher, to face two-term Barisan Nasional incumbent, state MIC chief Datuk M. Davendran.
Kamache and Davendran
The party hopes she can win over the 1,837 Indians voters who make up 19.4 per cent of the total electorate.
“I have been on meet-the-people rounds over the past two days. Many said they were willing to have me as their leader if I could bring changes to improve their lives. “As a woman, I believe I have a better understanding of the plight of disadvantaged groups, such as single mothers and the elderly.”
Despite being a political novice, Kamache’s candidacy has sparked an interest in this traditionally BN stronghold. Issues such as the poor condition of roads leading to estates and lack of job opportunities for youths were among those she hoped to resolve.
“We want to see some improvement, especially around the Simpang Pertang estate where the people do not even have a bus shelter,” said estate worker K. Velayappan, 49. Labourer Razali Hamzah, 47, echoed his sentiments. “The young people seem to be leaving this place for jobs elsewhere,” he said.
Davendran was confident that most people wanted him to stay their assemblyman. “I am well known for serving the multi-racial community in this area. “The people here are wise enough to know who to trust and keep their faith in to ensure a better future.”
Sabai has 9,458 voters. Chinese voters account for 43.1 per cent; Malays, 36.5 per cent; and other races, one per cent.
