KUALA PILAH: For some voters in Negeri Sembilan, a party’s candidate for the menteri besar’s post matters less than whether the incoming government would put the people first and fulfill its election pledges.
Met by FMT here, the voters said they wanted to see a stable government formed after the Aug 1 polls, and for the administration to govern well and resolve their local issues.
“We need to vote for parties that truly look after the people. The menteri besar candidate is not as important, that will be determined according to the relevant process,” said a 54-year-old voter who only wanted to be known as Sri Murugan.
Nur Hilayati Nor Yazid, 37, said the winner of the state election should appoint a people-centric menteri besar who frequently goes to the ground to observe local issues.
“I hope the next state government will promote Bahau as many people are unaware of this place, while also creating more job opportunities,” she said.
R Yogeswaran, 49, said he will vote based on each party’s capability to fulfil its election manifesto.
“Whoever governs Negeri Sembilan later, I hope they fulfill all that they’ve promised for the sake of the next generation.
“The question of menteri besar candidate will not influence my vote. What’s more important is which party wins first,” he said.
Zaimi Hassan, 47, said having menteri besar candidates would give voters the chance to know their potential leaders, but it is not the main factor that influences his vote.
Zaimi said the next state government must address issues like the traffic congestion between Bahau and Seremban, and expand job opportunities for the young.
Lee Sum Meng, 60, said a party’s candidate for the top post mattered less than the incoming government’s ability to improve the quality of life of the people.
“We’ll support whoever does good work. The government needs to take care of the people and upgrade basic infrastructure like drains.
“For me, (current menteri besar) Aminuddin Harun is okay and can continue leading the state government,” he said.
Aminuddin, the state Pakatan Harapan chairman, is the coalition’s menteri besar candidate for the Aug 1 polls.
Barisan Nasional-Perikatan Nasional have not named an official candidate although state Umno chief Jalaluddin Alias has been tipped as BN’s “top candidate” for the post.
