REMBAU: Perikatan Nasional candidate for Kota readily admitted that when he decided to stand as a candidate, he knew from day one that he had a financial disadvantage.
Shukri Shukor (pic), who will be vying for the seat in his debut appearance in a state election, said he had reminded the election machinery from the start that Bersatu bank accounts had been frozen by the anti-graft body.
“We accepted the circumstances. We’ve been upfront about this from day one,” he said in an interview.
The former engineer said the stark difference on the ground was evident between this year’s six state election campaigns compared to last year’s general election.
“In every struggle, there are sacrifices. The machinery is aware of the issues the party is facing.
“If there were more allocations, it would make things a little easier, but I feel that this is not the only aspect that determines victory.
“Our machinery accepts the situation and has given the energy willingly for this campaign,” he added.
While essential costs such as printing banners and posters were unavoidable, Shukri said money was saved in other areas.
“In the past, we used to provide food throughout the day for the election machinery. This time, food is given only at certain times.
“There were also contributions from members who brought food.
“If the party accounts were not frozen, our campaign materials would be more widely seen. It does affect us, especially in reaching out to voters in some areas,” he said.
Shukri said Bersatu members’ spirits were not broken but remained strong.
“I can feel this when I make my rounds on the ground,” he said, adding that Perikatan is confident of its position as a viable alternative to the electoral pact between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional.
Comparing state manifestos for Negri Sembilan, he said Perikatan’s version was more sustainable in the long term.
“For example, the bus subsidies for schools. It can resolve a long-term problem as opposed to giving a one-off pledge,” he said.
Shukri will face Barisan’s Suhaimi Aini in a straight fight for the Kota seat.
