Out to make a difference: Muhammad Fakhran (in white shirt) with a Pulai Chondong resident.
KOTA BARU: From the young to the old, candidates are hoping to make a mark in the state elections as campaigning hits the halfway mark.
At 76, Kelantan Bersatu chairman Datuk Kamarudin Mohd Nor is the oldest candidate in the state, yet he believes he will give his opponent a run for his money come election day.
Kamarudin said his 40 years of experience in politics would give him an edge as he aims to develop Ayer Lanas by capitalising on tourism.
“Ayer Lanas has many tourist attractions. I want to improve the infrastructure so that more locals will reap the benefits,” he said.
Kelantan Bersatu chairman Kamarudin.
When asked about his younger competitor, Nasrul Hadi Kamaruzaman from Barisan Nasional, Kamarudin wished him all the best, adding that the latter reminded him of his son.
The political veteran said he loved his job and wanted to keep serving the people, especially by inspiring the elderly to live a healthy lifestyle.
“Politics keeps me active and it feels good to be able to solve people’s problems,” he said.
Barisan’s 26-year-old Muhammad Fakhran Che Jusoh in Pulai Chondong is the youngest candidate and wants to create more job opportunities for youths.
“I didn’t expect to be fielded. My aim now is to assist youths struggling with limited jobs and low pay,” he said.
Muhammad Fakhran, an engineering graduate from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, said he plans to financially support local businesses and provide more training programmes for youth.
Tawang candidate Harun.
“I also hope to address water supply issues and bring in more investments for local businesses,” he said.
PAS’ Tawang candidate Harun Ismail, 52, has a physical impairment in his right hand and leg, yet he is determined to emerge victorious in what has been the party’s stronghold for decades.
“My campaign focuses on organising healthy and beneficial programmes for youth like sports, mosque and club activities, which will steer them away from social ills such as drug abuse, illegal racing and theft, among others,” he said.
Harun, who was previously a teacher and a motivational speaker, said he was confident his wit and social skills would lead him to victory.
“Tawang has about 30,000 voters who have helped us win through and through in past elections.
“I am looking forward to representing Tawang again,” he added.
Polling in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan is on Aug 12.
