Reports by ALEX TENG, WANI MUTHIAH, ZAKIAH KOYA, TARRENCE TAN, RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM, JUSTIN ZACK, TEH ATHIRA YUSOF, IMRAN HILMY, GERARD GIMINO, KHOO GEK SAN, JUNAID IBRAHIM and ARFA YUNUS
ALOR SETAR: Voters in the six states going to the polls this weekend have largely made up their minds about how they will cast their ballots.
However, there are also many who have yet to decide on the candidate they want.
Nizar Mohammad, 47, a hawker here, said he wanted a representative who could solve the people’s problems instead of spewing rhetoric.
“I don’t care which party he or she comes from. When elected, they should fulfil their obligations,” said Nizar, who will be voting in Kubang Rotan.
Housewife Nor Hafida Hashi, 56, was coy about her choice.
She wants a candidate who can find a way to improve the people’s standard of living.
“The prices of grocery items have increased; the salary cap is too low, but politicians keep harping on political issues. They should look for ways to ease the people’s burden,” she said.
She also wants a candidate who can solve the state’s water issue, saying that it has been a problem for more than 30 years.
In SEREMBAN, hotel receptionist Mohd Nazrul Mohamad said he was still undecided about who to vote for.
“I’ve heard of the candidates but haven’t made up my mind. What’s for sure is that I will vote for someone close to the people who understands their issues and can come up with proper solutions,” said Mohd Nazrul, a voter in the Senaling seat.
Like Mohd Nazrul, businessman Mohd Haziq Abdul Rahman, 30, has not decided yet but will choose a candidate who truly serves the people’s interests.
“The person should be compassionate and help the residents and the poor in Bagan Pinang. I have seen people begging for a few ringgit to cover their meal expenses. It is heartbreaking,” he said.
In KOTA BARU, the locals, even the young ones, are looking forward to Saturday, with some hoping to see changes that can improve their lives.
Muhammad Saidin Abdul Wahid, 33, said he would make his decision after hearing what each candidate says.
“It is important to go out and vote because it will determine the way forward,” said the voter in Chempaka.
“Growing up here in Kelantan, I’ve heard one side of the story, but as an adult, I want to hear all perspectives. I hope young voters will do the same. Don’t just watch TikTok. Do your homework and then decide what’s best for you,” he said.
PhD student Fatina Awani, 28, a voter in Tendong, said: “It is important to choose the next state government and the decision lies with us. We need improvements, especially in terms of the poverty rate,” she said.
In KUALA TERENGGANU, boat operator Zulkifli Mohamad, 56, said he had not thought much about the state polls as he has been busy organising boat trips to Pulau Redang from the Merang jetty in Setiu.
“There has been a drop in tourists since Hari Raya. On normal days, we struggle to even get one trip. So we have to maximise the trips we get on weekends,” he said.
Zulkifli said he is 50-50 on whether he wants the same PAS state government.
“There are pros and cons. I will probably make up my mind in the next few days,” he said.
Cafe assistant Zikri Ahmad, 23, says that his whole family in Bukit Payong is also undecided.
“They used to support PAS, but I am now mulling whether or not to switch,” he said.
