SIBU: It has been observed and pointed out that generally news voters are more focused on who their candidates are rather than which party the candidates belong to.
“This group (voters 18 to 20) does not yet have party affiliation. Therefore, they tend to choose ‘who’ the candidates are instead of their parties,” said Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development.
“A candidate must be one who has something to attract their interest and that ‘something’ must be identified by the candidate himself.
“Don’t use promises such as free education; no PTPTN payment refunds; lower oil prices; etc. These are all old issues. Everything has been proven to be impossible,” he said.
He also gave a reminded that not all the current new voters are aged 18 to 20 as some who were automatically registered are those over 21 years old but had not registered before.
In Nangka constituency alone, there has been an increase in the number of voters by approximately 9,000 people.
“Out of that number, only more than 50 percent are voters aged 18 to 20,” he said at a press conference after chairing the PBB Nangka meeting at the MUC Hall, last night.
When asked about his readiness if selected as a GPS candidate in the 15th general election (GE15), he insisted that he will continue to fight regardless of whether he is a ‘general’ or a ‘soldier’.
“I am a party member; whatever position is given to me I will accept to ensure the victory of GPS in Sibu.
“Sikkan disuruh berperang sik maok berperang, malulah!” (Don’t refuse to fight when told to fight. That’s shameful!). Whatever happens, I will be in the ‘army’. So, I hope that the people of Sibu will choose a candidate who can deliver,” he said.
