Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email Whoever stands for whichever party, the Hulu Selangor folks stand to benefit a lot. From soaring rental rates (RM20,000???) to promises of new schools (I thought no campaigning yet?), looks like the idea that representatives serve best when they are “removed” is correct again.
The feeling is that the seat is for 1Malaysia as the majority last time around is a mere 198 votes. Even though some internal jostling for the candidacy is happening, I think MIC would get the seat as MCA and UMNO are well represented via state seats. Only way BN would lose if there’s an internal sabotage (can’t rule this out).
Throw in a few more goodies or feel good news, and can expect BN to win with an healthy majority. Prefect gift for first anniversary.
As for Pakatan, there’s nothing much to talk about other than Israeli links, a litany of court cases, Perak takeovers and such which may make for coffee shop talks and ceramah time, but won’t really affect the folks there. They have to rely on their track record of governing Selangor, and Hulu Selangor especially (a bit of a problem if their representative was not around often).
They are also doing their own campaigning and “distribution”:
DAP Kampung Tunku state assemblyperson Lau Weng San(left) confirmed to Malaysiakini that the state government will play an important role before nomination day.
The political parties will then start campaigning, while government servants will play no further role, he said.
PKR election director Fuziah Salleh had earlier made a commitment that the party would not abuse state-owned resources in the campaign.
However Malaysiakini has learnt that Pakatan is aggressively engaging voters through activities and meet-the-people sessions organised by state agencies.
Allocations and other forms of ‘sweeteners’ – including land titles and financial aid – have been distributed by Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim and state exco members via state government departments. However, it was claimed that voters had applied for such assistance earlier.
Pakatan’s argument is that state government programmes cannot be described as campaigning, so long as campaign material is not distributed and there is no fishing for votes.
I hope the winning candidate is one of poor health or with some criminal background so that when he/she is “removed”, the folks can enjoy another round of goodies. Maybe MACC will catch one or two representatives. Maybe someone will resign due to whatever reason. Let’s pray for another by-election soon, folks, preferably in our backyards 🙂
Note: Voter breakdown is as follows:
Hulu Selangor has 64,500 voters , with Malays making up 52.7%, Chinese 26.3%, Indians about 19% and other races 1.7%.
