KLUANG: Taking honey and vitamins, along with brief breaks between events, are some of the ways the Mahkota by-election candidates are staying fit and energised as they continue their gruelling campaign to woo voters here.
Over the past week, Barisan Nasional’s Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah and Perikatan Nasional’s Mohamad Haizan Jaafar have been busy with back-to-back campaigning from early morning until late at night.
Despite their high spirits, both candidates have developed slightly hoarse voices from extensive speaking engagements and interacting with countless constituents on the campaign trail.
Syed Hussien, 40, shared that he relies on multivitamins, supplements and honey to maintain his vigour during this hectic period.
“Yes, it’s been a rather intense week, but as someone involved in activism, I am pretty accustomed to busy days,” he said in an interview.
“The strained voice is normal when we are talking to thousands of people daily.
“That’s why I am taking supplements, multivitamins and most importantly honey in the hopes of helping me to stay healthy and energetic.”
The Kluang Umno Youth chief acknowledged the challenges of limited rest and tries to make up for it by grabbing quick breaks between programmes.
“Being young definitely helps as I still have the stamina to dash from one event to another.
“Plus, having my friends around who can keep the mood light makes the challenging week a bit easier,” he added.
Mohamad Haizan, 61, said he also uses honey to soothe his throat, which has suffered from the constant speaking.
“I make sure to take honey, especially since my voice is a bit scratchy now. I also take vitamin C to boost my immunity,” he explained.
“A restful sleep has been elusive, usually only a couple of hours a night.
“I have to be smart and find ways to rest and take short naps when I can,” said Mohamad Haizan, who is fondly known as coach Haizan.
The former Johor FA footballer noted that his background as a sportsman, coach and aerobics instructor has equipped him for the demands of campaigning.
“It’s tiring, but I view it as a form of sport in a different kind of field,” he said.
Mohamad Haizan, who is a Kluang Bersatu committee member, added that his campaign staff is also ensuring that he stays hydrated during this busy time.
Both candidates, who are local figures, are competing head-to-head in the Mahkota by-election, called following the passing of incumbent Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2.
Sharifah Azizah, who was the Kluang Wanita Umno chief, secured the seat in the 2022 state election with a majority of 5,166 votes against candidates from Perikatan, Pakatan Harapan and Parti Warisan.
The Election Commission has scheduled polling day for Sept 28, with early voting on Sept 24.
