KUCHING: Community leaders and village chiefs (KMKK) have been urged to ensure those under their care come out to vote on polling day.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this is crucial to ensure high voter turnout in the forthcoming state polls.
“The higher the turnout, the better the legitimacy will be for elected representatives. No leaders would feel comfortable being elected by a voter turnout of under 40 percent,” he said after officiating at the Asajayaku Prihatin programme here on Monday (Nov 22).
He said the 60 percent voter turnout in the Melaka polls was also considered as low and this could be improved in the Sarawak polls.
“We are hoping for 75 percent voter turnout to ensure better legitimacy for elected representatives.”
Abdul Karim also alluded to questions on young candidates for the polls.
He said the general understanding of the term ‘youth’ usually referred to those in the 18 to 40-year-old age group, while noting that those under the age of 30 might not be wise to contest due to their lack of experience.
“Indeed, we do encourage the youth, but don’t try to contest when you are only 18 years old. I agree with the inclusion of youth in politics but only as voters and there is no need to contest at that age.
“Study first, get married, build up a family. When you reach the age of 30 and above, if there is an intention to be a candidate, it is possible.
“The voters are wise. They do not choose based on appearance, but they choose based on ability to lead.”
Commenting further on KMKKs, he said they also play a very important role in uniting the people and prospering the areas under their care.
“My advice is for them to carry out their responsibilities well and with full trust. Apart from that, they must ensure that their people continue to maintain unity with each other. This is my hope for KMKKs in Asajaya district.
“For as long as I have been the people’s representative there, I have not seen any KMKK that has been disciplined. Everyone has carried out their responsibilities well,” said the Asajaya incumbent assemblyman.
