PETALING JAYA: In preparation for the upcoming Aug 12 state elections, a former Election Commission (EC) official urges candidates to focus on understanding the needs of their voters rather than resorting to emotional issues related to race, religion, and royal institutions. According to the official, Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, it is crucial for candidates to address the key factors affecting their constituents and prioritize issues unique to each constituency. Playing up sensitive 3R sentiments, which are national issues, offers no benefit to voters in these state elections.
Wan Ahmad emphasizes that candidates must know their audience and concentrate on issues that will be discussed in their respective state legislative assemblies when they reconvene. He suggests that candidates should focus on improving the cost of living, introducing new policies, enhancing infrastructure, and presenting their manifestos to attract voters. By concentrating on these matters, candidates can genuinely improve the daily lives of their constituents, rather than inciting anger and disharmony with racial and religious sentiments.
Wan Ahmad stated in an interview, “These state elections should be about improvements tailored to the voters’ needs. Some places may require better drainage systems, while others may need improved road infrastructure. These are the issues that would genuinely benefit them, and sparking anger with racial and religious sentiments would not contribute to their well-being.”
Wan Ahmad advises voters to be discerning when selecting their new state assemblymen and to consider candidates who have the capability to implement changes that would benefit their constituents. He urges voters to assess all candidates closely and make decisions based on merit, prioritizing quality over emotional issues.
Looking ahead, Wan Ahmad hopes that political parties would avoid using 3R issues during the campaign period. He expresses confidence that the authorities will intervene if necessary to prevent any escalation. However, according to Prof James Chin from the Asia Institute at the University of Tasmania, it is unlikely that 3R issues will disappear anytime soon as they have become an integral part of Malaysian politics. Chin believes that even though fundamental issues like hunger and poverty should take center stage during the campaign, voters tend to be more influenced by matters related to race and religion.
Despite warnings from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim about exploiting race, religion, and royal institution issues, it is expected that these matters will continue to play a significant role in Malaysian politics, especially during elections. The six state elections will be held in Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, and Selangor on Aug 12, with nomination day set for July 29.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
