PETALING JAYA: They represent opposing sides of the political divide, trading insults with one another in the past two weeks.
But with 48 hours left to polling day, they share the same message for the electorate: “Come out to vote.”
Pakatan Harapan’s Juwairiya Zulkifli, who is competing against her former boss Datuk Seri Azmin Ali for Hulu Kelang in what is billed as the fiercest battle in Selangor, urged voters to fulfil their responsibilities to choose an elected representative who is ready to serve the people.
“The voices of the women and youth are important in the Selangor state assembly in the fight for the people of Hulu Kelang,” she said.
Up north in Penang, caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow – who is seeking to capture Padang Kota – sent out a clarion call to voters to come out in droves on Saturday to ensure continued growth and progress in the Pearl of the Orient.
Success in this election, he said, is crucial as it will mean that the state remains aligned with the unity government in Putrajaya.
“If the state government is aligned with the Federal Government, it’s easier for us to implement all the pledges in our unity manifesto,” said Chow, who is Pakatan’s chief minister candidate for the state.
Pakatan and Barisan Nasional launched their “Penang Unity Manifesto 2023” on Aug 1.
Chow reminded voters that the state government has a proven track record of fostering development and initiatives over the past 15 years.
“We can ensure further growth for Penang in the next five years if given a strong mandate.
“All Penangites should take this opportunity to choose their government.
“They can determine the future of their children and the next generation.
“This is the first time we have a unity government. We should support this coalition to ensure peace and stability in the country,” he said when contacted.
Chow also appealed to all employers to give time off to their workers so that they could go to the polling stations on Saturday.
“Every vote counts,” he said.
Barisan’s Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, who is eyeing the Pertang seat in Negri Sembilan, said he hopes all voters within the state constituency and throughout Negri Sembilan would come out in full force to cast their ballot.
Jalaluddin, who is the Negri Sembilan Umno liaison committee chairman, reminded young voters not to gamble on their future, saying that they should pick someone who could provide the direction in building a stronger community.
Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi said it is the right of every Malaysian to select their elected representative.
“I am urging everyone who is qualified to vote to come out and exercise this right on polling day,” said Dr Ahmad Yunus, who is Perikatan Nasional’s candidate for the Sijangkang seat in Selangor.
He said registered voters must ensure that they play a role in picking someone to represent them in the state and federal governments.
“It is in the people’s hands to elect a government that is efficient, credible and corruption-free.
“So they must come out and do this to ensure that they put in place a state government that will work to protect their best interest,” said Dr Ahmad Yunus, who is also Kuala Langat MP.
Selangor Perikatan deputy chairman Datuk Abdul Rashid Asari, who is the Selat Kelang candidate, said a high voter turnout in the 36 Malay-majority state constituencies of Selangor will ensure a victory for Perikatan.
“In the last general election, the Malay voter turnout in Selangor was way behind the non-Malays at only 64%, while the Chinese was above 90%,” he said.
Muda’s Bukit Antarabangsa candidate Melanie Ting, who is the youngest candidate in the state polls this time around, said: “If you care about your constituency and the country, then you should come out and vote.
“Don’t vote for people who don’t represent your voice.
“Go for someone who you believe represents your generation,” she said.
