Kuan with his supporters on nomination day for the Puchong parliamentary seat. They are seen here outside the Puchong Indah multipurpose hall. — SS KANESAN/The Star
ONE symbol seems to be the most sought after by Selangor’s Independent candidates contesting in the 15th General Election.
Seven out of 17 candidates have chosen the pen while the other 10 chose the key, tree, hoe, phone, spectacles, book and elephant.
The Independent candidates in Puchong, Gombak and Kapar chose the phone, pen and elephant respectively as their symbols on the ballot papers.
Candidates who selected the pen were from Hulu Selangor, Selayang, Gombak, Ampang, Bangi, Kuala Langat and Sepang.
On Nov 19, voters will see these emblems on ballot papers alongside coalition symbols of Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan, Gerakan Tanah Air and that of individual parties such as Parti Sosialis Malaysia, Warisan and Parti Bangsa Malaysia.
According to the Election Commission’s website, there are 28 symbols that candidates could choose from to appear on their ballot papers.
Gombak parliamentary Independent candidate Zulkifli Ahmad, 64, who lives in Taman Permata, Hulu Kelang, said he chose the pen as it embodied professionalism.
Zulkifli says the pen embodies professionalism and integrity. —RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
“It tells people that I will get the job done with the knowledge I have gained.
“It shows that I have a sense of integrity,” said the retired engineer from Kuala Lumpur’s Public Works Department.
Zulkifli, born in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, has made Hulu Kelang his home since 1984.
He said when he was shown the list of symbols, he immediately pointed towards the pen.
“The pen is mightier than the sword. I plan to bring up infrastructure issues, last-mile connectivity and land ownership matters in Gombak,” he said.
Civil engineer Sevelinggam V. Ponniah, 47, who is contesting the Kapar parliamentary seat, chose the elephant as his campaign symbol.
He said the largest land mammal is revered in many cultures as the animal represented protection, strength and wisdom.
“Elephants are trained to take part in battles.
“In this GE15, I want to fight for better infrastructure development as we lack good roads and drainage to overcome flash floods.
Sevelinggam chose the elephant to do battle in Kapar. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
“In my campaign speeches I have said that infrastructure development is more important than getting city status for Klang.
“I will champion better infrastructure to replace all earth-cut drains bordering most neighbourhoods and for a flood mitigation plan,” he said.
In the Puchong parliamentary constituency, Kuan Chee Heng, 60, better known as Uncle Kentang, chose the phone as his symbol.
He wanted voters to know that he would be easily accessible to listen to their problems.
“I am open to feedback and always ready to help the people.
“The phone symbol sends a clear message that I am here to serve,” said Kuan.
