Doing her part: Noorzawani (right) on duty at Gooi’s service centre in Penang. — Photo provided by CHIN CHENG YEANG
GEORGE TOWN: They are the backroom staff, the unsung heroes who work tirelessly without pay to help ensure things run smoothly for election candidates.
“I offered to help as I’ve always had a keen interest in politics,” said university student Wong Liken from Jitra, Kedah.
He is helping out Pakatan Harapan’s Connie Tan, the contender for the Seri Delima seat.
Wong, 19, who is on a two-week semester break, hopes to learn a thing or two about politics.
“Being part of the campaign team allows me to be up close and personal with some of the party leaders.
“I get to hear their speeches. I get to learn about the state’s policies,” he added.
Ang Yi Sheng, who is pursuing a course in urban regional planning, is also part of Tan’s campaign team.
“It’s an eye-opening experience. What I am learning within this short period would indirectly help me in my studies and future career in engaging stakeholders.
“Since all expenses are covered, I only need to rent a place while helping out the team,” said Ang, 20, from Bukit Mertajam.
Both Wong and Ang are managing Tan’s social media platforms.
Over on the mainland, Noorzawani Mohamad Imran returned from Denmark to help Pakatan’s Daniel Gooi in his battle for the Padang Lalang constituency.
Besides assisting in various tasks at the service centre, she also doubles up as an emcee during ceramah as she is well-versed in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin.
“When we organise events, I would always be the emcee speaking in Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia,” said Noorzawani, who is pursuing a degree in communications.
She moved to Denmark to be with her husband in April last year.
“But I decided to return early this year to help prepare for the state elections,” said the 28-year-old.
Previously, she had helped out then-assemblyman Chong Eng in 2018.
Self-employed renovation contractor Lim Eok Jin, 66, is helping in the campaign rounds of Perikatan Nasional’s Oh Tong Keong, who is eyeing the Pantai Jerejak seat.
Lim said Oh, who is Gerakan deputy president and the party’s state chairman, and his party members had raised funds to help him with his daily expenses when he was out of work for two years following an accident that broke his leg in 2008.
“Since then, I have volunteered to help him and I have done so four times.
“I would decline all jobs throughout an election period,” he added.
Besides helping with the basic maintenance of Oh’s operation centre in Bayan Baru, Lim also follows the team on their walkabouts.
He said he also managed to rope in over 100 volunteers comprising party members, retirees and friends who have taken leave from work.
“Although none of them are paid, campaign expenses remain costly.
“We have to provide meals for volunteers and allowances for polling and counting agents. Besides paying contractors for certain jobs, we also have to pay for publicity materials.
“We are operating with a minimal budget as we do not get any allocation from the party.
“The funds are from donors and our own savings. I am fortunate to have many who are supportive of me including a friend who sponsored billboards,” added Lim.
