(From left) The candidates for the Pandan Indah state constituency are Sivaneswaran, Izham, Lisa (in red blouse) and Fazil (right) while it is a straight fight between Yew (third from left) and Chew (second from r ight) for the Teratai seat.
THE Pandan Indah constituency in Selangor has been described by residents as a quiet, safe and convenient area due to its proximity to Kuala Lumpur, Ampang, Cheras and Hulu Langat.
This mature area retains its small-town charm, dotted predominantly with low-density housing comprising mainly terrace and semi-detached homes.
A few stratified properties are visible, too, along the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2), Jalan Pandan Indah, Jalan Pandan Utama and Jalan Dagang Besar.
Many are still drawn to its central location as it is a stone’s throw away from the city centre, without having to deal with high property prices that a Kuala Lumpur address would fetch.
The Pandan Indah and Teratai state seats are parked under the Pandan parliamentary constituency and flanking its borders are the Ampang, Cheras, Titiwangsa and Hulu Langat constituencies.
Pandan Indah is the administrative capital for the Ampang Jaya municipality (MPAJ) and neighbourhoods such as Taman Nirwana, Taman Cempaka and Ampang Hilir as well as the popular Kampung Baru Ampang are among housing areas here.
Residents living in the Pandan Indah state constituency have convenient access to MRR2 and Sungai Besi Highway.
The Pandan Indah township is self-sufficient as the public have easy access to MPAJ headquarters, Fire and Rescue Services Department, Pandan Indah police station, several banks and medical facilities.
The area is also well-known for its many eateries offering varieties of local hawker fare including some delightful cafes.
Pandan Indah Phase 3 resident Charles Chandran said the area had grown by leaps and bounds since he moved here 28 years ago.
He said its central location was ideal for residents to get to Kuala Lumpur, Ampang, Cheras, Kajang, Hulu Langat or Gombak.
“Back then, there were no connecting highways. Today, we have the MRR2 and Sungai Besi Highway (Pandan Indah interchange) which makes getting in and out of Pandan Indah a breeze,” he said, adding that with such development, traffic congestion at peak hours was inevitable.
The Pandan Indah constituency is a stone’s throw away from Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: SAMUEL ONG, LOW LAY PHON, SHAARI CHEMAT, IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
“Finding a parking bay, in commercial areas, is challenging as the number of residents has tripled since I moved here. But MPAJ has been making an effort to keep the township’s commercial areas clean,” he said.
Taman Nirwana resident PM Jeyaseelan, 59, on the other hand, wants more emphasis given to maintenance and cleanliness in his neighbourhood.
“I find cleanliness, especially around commercial areas, still lacking due to a lack of civic mindedness among visitors, residents and business owners,” he said.
Taman Nirwana Phase 2 Residents Association chairman Aziz Mohd Ali, who frequently visits Kompleks Muhibah, said he hoped the premises would be upgraded soon.
Aziz said Kompleks Muhibah was an important gathering point for residents.
“It not only serves as a food truck area as events are held here too.
“However, it can be put to better use if upgrading works are carried out at the complex,” he said, adding that he had lived in the area for almost 30 years.
Association deputy chairman M. Thomas said that the constituency should be made more pedestrian-friendly.
“There should be proper walkways from housing estates to commercial areas so that residents can leave their cars at home.
“More landscaping and parking areas should also be considered,” said Thomas who has lived in Taman Nirwana for 35 years.
Constituents also want their appointed councillors, assemblymen and parliamentarians to interact and be available to them.
“At the very least, have efficient representatives to act as their liaisons,” he added.
As at 2023, there are 70,776 registered voters in Pandan Indah comprising 3,696 (5.22%) youths, 54,376 (76.83%) adults and 12,704 (17.95%) senior citizens.
Four candidates are contesting for the Pandan Indah seat in the upcoming 2023 state elections.
Jeyaseelan: Emphasis needs to be placed on cleanliness and maintenance.
Muda’s candidate Lisa Redzuan, 41, is a vice-president at an international banking institution.
The mother-of-five said she delved into politics because she wanted a better future for her children.
The Bandar Tun Razak Muda deputy chief is pitted against Pakatan Harapan’s incumbent Izham Hashim, Fazil Mohamad Dali from Perikatan Nasional and Independent candidate Sivaneswaran Ramasundram.
Izham, 61, said his work record in Pandan Indah for the past five years would stand in good stead.
“We have managed to resolve several issues including preventing major flooding.
“Next on the agenda is to improve infrastructure in Pandan Indah,” said the father of four.
Izham is the Selangor Amanah chairman and caretaker Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman.
Fazil, a former competitive bodybuilder, is one of the more interesting individuals with his chequered past.
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He wants to carry “heavier weights” by championing the cause of the B40 community.
Popularly known as “Ayahanda Cik Ton”, Fazil is contesting under the Bersatu banner.
“I will certainly do my best if given the chance. People are aware of my past but we have to move on and I hope to be of service to the people,” the reformed gangster said.
The 49-year-old, who has four wives and 15 children, is chairman of the Amal Cekal Taqwa Malaysia (ACT Malaysia) Welfare Association.
Aziz says Kompleks Muhibah needs a refreshed look.
Meanwhile, Sivaneswaran, 48, is hoping to bring his experience in various community projects to a larger scale if he gets to be elected as assemblyman.
He currently heads the Pertubuhan 5K Komuniti Pandan Selangor charity organisation.
In GE14, Izham won the seat obtaining 24,914 votes against Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Haniff Koslan (8,528 votes) and PAS’ Datuk Iskandar A Samad (7,517).
