Dr Hafidzah Mustaqim, the Kelantan Wanita Amanah chief, has advised voters in Pulai and Simpang Jeram to reject political parties that focus on issues concerning royalty, religion, and race during their campaign. She also urged voters to reject politicians who engage in name-calling. Dr Hafidzah, who is the Kota Lama state assemblyman in Kelantan and the deputy head of Kelantan Wanita Pakatan Harapan, criticized Perikatan Nasional for starting their campaign in Simpang Jeram with vulgar language and derogatory labels for certain individuals. She believes that the concept of Malaysia Madani, which promotes a harmonious and inclusive society, should be emphasized.
Dr Hafidzah stated that in her experience in Kelantan, the battle is not against opposing manifestos, but against the exploitation of religion, race, and royalty sentiments. She expressed her views to Bernama after accompanying the Pakatan candidate in Simpang Jeram, Nazri Abdul Rahman, to the nomination center on August 26. Dr Hafidzah gained attention by winning the Kota Lama seat from PAS in the recent state election, becoming one of only two opposition assemblymen in the 45-seat Kelantan State Assembly.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged that it will take time for the people to fully understand and appreciate the Unity Government’s Madani policy. Dr Hafidzah believes that the responsibility to convey this policy’s importance to the grassroots level falls on the party machinery and leadership. She also stated that the people should trust the unity government, which encompasses the Barisan Nasional-Pakatan alliance, as it has attracted significant investors into the country, alleviated inflation, and introduced the Payung Rahmah initiative.
Dr Hafidzah will support the Amanah candidate in Simpang Jeram by conducting both in-person and online campaigns to attract voters. The Pulai parliamentary by-election features Pakatan’s Suhaizan Kaiat, Perikatan’s Zulkifli Jaafar, and independent candidate Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi. Meanwhile, the Simpang Jeram state by-election involves Nazri, Perikatan’s Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya, and independent candidate S. Jeganathan. Both by-elections were triggered by the death of Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23. The Election Commission has scheduled early voting for September 5 and polling on September 9 for both by-elections. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
