First-time voters showing their inked fingers after casting their votes at SK Sungai Duri for the Sungai Bakap by-election in Nibong Tebal.
AFTER weeks of campaign activities, speeches and promises, Sungai Bakap constituency has regained its serenity, characterised by its slow-paced daily life.
Party workers and volunteers have also removed campaign materials from the area.
With the by-election done and dusted, the spotlight has now shifted to the newly elected representative Abidin Ismail to translate his campaign pledges into actionable plans that will benefit the community.
People waiting to cast their vote at the SMK Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah polling station during the by-election.
Perikatan Nasional’s Abidin, who was born and raised in Sungai Duri within the state constituency, is well-known to locals.
Mechanic Shahrul Anuar Ahmad, 42, is confident that Abidin can become the voice of the people.
“He is a local and knows what we need.
“It is time for him to go to the ground and solve water woes, especially for those in Mukim 5, who have been suffering from intermittent water supply issues for six years,” he said.
Mohamad Omar wants to see improvements to the drainage system in Kampung Sungai Kechil.
StarMetro reported on June 26 that there were 12 areas in Sungai Bakap that face water issues daily, ranging from water cuts to experiencing low water pressure from 6pm to midnight.
Being at the southern end of Penang, the constituency is at a disadvantage because 80% of Penang’s water supply comes from Sungai Muda, which is at the northern end of mainland Penang.
During peak usage hours, by the time the supply reaches Sungai Bakap, the water pressure is so low that some village houses only get a trickle.
Perikatan Nasional party flags and cannon replicas being taken down after the by-election.
Penang government has been working hard to solve this, including the completion of a new dissolved air flotation (DAF) water treatment plant in Bukit Panchor, Nibong Tebal.
It can produce an additional 10 million litres per day (MLD) to about 1,500 consumer accounts, especially in Sungai Bakap.
Party flags and poles being dismantled by the Pakatan Harapan election machinery.
The problem still persists even with the new facility but not as bad as before, according to Christine Ong who lives in Taman Widuri within Mukim 5.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also announced a RM4bil Federal Government project that would see Perak supplying water to Seberang Perai, but this would take a few years before it comes to fruition.
Soon after his victory, Abidin, 56, said he would engage with Penang Water Supply Corpora-tion to resolve the problem.
A group of senior citizens enjoyed breakfast and sharing their stories together at one of the coffee shop near Sungai Bakap public market in Jalan Besar Sungai Bakap, Nibong Tebal. (July 7,2024) —ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Constant presence
Sungai Kechil villager Mohamad Omar Mohammad Nasir, 29, is hopeful that Abidin would prioritise the needs of the local population, particularly those requiring assistance with essential services and infrastructure improvements.
“Abidin is familiar with the place so it won’t be a problem for him,” said the odd-job worker.
Besides water woes, the area’s perennial problems include floods and traffic jam.
Mohamad Omar hopes that Abidin will help improve the drainage system near his house in Kampung Sungai Kechil.
“Although this place is not flood prone, the drains are too narrow and flash floods occur whenever there is heavy rain,” he said.
After the by-election, Sungai Bakap has resumed its slow-paced daily life. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB and CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Another voter, Khoo Swee Meng, 53, listed better facilities and infrastructure needed by constituents.
“We need better facilities for local businesses.
“For example, well-maintained roads that provide smooth connectivity within the constituency and to neighbouring areas.
“Also important are accessible healthcare facilities such as clinics or health centres that provide basic medical services and emergency care.
Yi Bang wants the new assemblyman to ensure there is reliable internet connectivity.“A well-equipped healthcare infrastructure supports the well-being of residents and enhances community health outcomes.
“We were told a new hospital would be built adjacent to the 130-year-old Hospital Sungai Bakap.
“Abidin must keep track of the construction schedule, look into all this and push for more development in our area,” he said, adding that Abidin was his factory colleague a few years ago.
Similarly, Swee Meng’s eldest son Yi Bang, a 25-year-old chef, said, “I hope the new elected representative can enhance our infrastructure.
“There must also be reliable internet connectivity,” he said.
Another resident, A. Gopal Krishnan, 70, urged Abidin to focus on helping the poor.
“Please don’t forget to show your face and help those who are struggling.
“It is important for us to see our leaders actively engaging with the community.”
Taman Widuri residents collecting water from a large water tank. The problem of intermittent supply and low water pressure at night has been an issue for several years. — Filepic
Bigger majority
What was supposed to be a closely contested by-election turned into a lopsided match-up, with Abidin trouncing Pakatan Harapan’s Dr Joohari Ariffin, 60.
The winning majority tripled from the 1,563 votes obtained in the 2023 state elections to 4,267 votes.
Gopal wants the new rep to focus on helping the poor in the constituency.Abidin polled 14,489 votes against Joohari’s 10,222 votes.
There were 208 spoiled votes while eligible voter turnout was recorded at 63.45%.
Effectively, Perikatan managed to secure victory with a lower voter turnout in all eight of the constituency’s polling districts compared to the last state elections.
Soon after his victory, Abidin said he would continue with the unfinished business of his predecessor – the late Nor Zamri Latiff who died in May.
A former logistics executive, Abidin vowed to uphold the legacy and serve the residents of Sungai Bakap.
Referring to the pressing water supply issue, the Nibong Tebal PAS deputy chief said, “As an assemblyman, I will push for better water infrastructure to meet the needs of this constituency.”
Strong support from Malays
Universiti Sains Malaysia social sciences senior lecturer Dr Razlini Mohd Ramli said the primary factor behind Perikatan’s victory was the steadfast support from Malay voters.
“This demographic maintained its allegiance to Perikatan, demonstrating a preference for continuity and stability in governance.
Shahrul says it is time that water woes, especially for those in Mukim 5, are resolved.“The Malay voters’ inclination to maintain the status quo played a crucial role in tipping the scales in favour of the opposition coalition,” she said.
“Contrary to expectations, Chinese voters, traditionally a strong base for Pakatan Harapan, did not turn up in significant numbers.”
She said that it appeared that Chinese voters had chosen to abstain from voting rather than support Pakatan.
“The low turnout significantly impacted the ruling coalition’s chances of securing a victory,” she added.
Another notable trend, said Razlini, was the preference of young voters for Perikatan over Pakatan.
“This demographic shift underscores the appeal of Perikatan’s policies and candidates among the younger population, who may have found the coalition’s vision and promises more aligned with their aspirations.”
She said Pakatan’s campaign faced several challenges that led to its loss.
Swee Meng says the area needs better facilities for local businesses.“Key issues like the targeted diesel subsidy, water management issues and economic concerns, particularly related to BlackRock, played a significant role in shaping voters’ sentiment.
“Pakatan’s inability to effectively address these concerns and communicate its policies further weakened their position,” she added.
BlackRock Inc’s indirect connection to a company involved in the privatisation of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has been criticised by Perikatan’s politicians because of its significant investments in Israel.
It was widely reported that BlackRock was in talks to buy Global Infrastructure Partners, which aimed to take a 30% stake in the MAHB privatisation deal.
Razlini said the low turnout of Chinese voters was a significant blow to the ruling coalition.
“Traditionally, the Chinese are supportive of Pakatan but this time around, they chose to express their dissatisfaction by not participating in the election.
“This serves as a wake-up call for Pakatan.”
She said to regain voters’ trust and support, Pakatan needed to engage more directly with the public, explaining its policies and addressing voters’ concerns more effectively.
She added that the ruling coalition reflecting on its campaign strategy and focusing on building stronger connections with voters would be crucial for Pakatan’s future endeavours.
Razlini said the victory of Perikatan in Sungai Bakap had underscored the importance of understanding and addressing the diverse concerns of the electorate.
“As political dynamics continue to evolve, political parties must remain attuned to the needs and sentiments of the people that they seek to represent,” she added.
