REMBAU: The narrative that Perikatan Nasional is only for the Malays must be changed, says its Rantau candidate for the state polls.
Rozmal Malakan said this negative perception must be countered, and that the only way was to meet the people personally.
“Perhaps for those who did not accept us in the past, it was because we did not go down to the ground to communicate directly.
'Kita dimomokkan dahulu' (we were portrayed as the bogeyman) and the Indians and Chinese could not accept us.
“And when that happened, the focus was on the Malay voters instead. This is not right, and we have to go and show ourselves.
“I hope the other candidates from Perikatan will go out to meet the people. They are waiting,” he said when met at Perikatan's Rantau operations room.
He added that at the end of the day, bread and butter issues are the main matters that people care about.
Rozmal, who spent decades in quality assurance, said in Rantau specifically, while the infrastructure is there, it was the minute details that had been lacking.
“To some it might be small matters, like trash collection or road maintenance. But to those staying here, it is important to them.”
He added there has been a lack of communication between the state and the people over delays of certain infrastructure projects.
“You have to give the real reasons because the people want to know. Was it due to there being no budget or if prices have increased.”
On his opponent, Rozmal said he understands the tough fight he is facing, but added that the area would be better served with someone who can be on the ground more.
“To me, going to the ground is the most important. It is different when you actually show your face,” he said.
Rozmal will be facing Barisan National’s Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan in a straight fight for the N.27 Rantau seat.
Mohamad Hasan is the incumbent in this fight, and is also the Rembau MP.
