'We don't mind voting for BN in DAP's Dusun Tua but serve us after winning', say voters
SHAH ALAM - As the state polls approach, people are more outspoken about their woes and wishes, apart from expressing disappointment over unfulfilled promises previously.
In a diverse but slightly rural community like Dusun Tua, the voices of its residents reflect a wide spectrum of opinions and concerns.
Speaking to one of the residents in the area, Izwan Saa, a 39-year-old barista, said he is open to a change of party as long as they prioritise the welfare of the people of Dusun Tua.
"As for now, I've noticed some changes in Dusun Tua, like the recent opening of Marrybrown a few days ago. However, what I really want is for the roads to be fixed and the issue of traffic congestion to be resolved.
"Every morning, by 6am, roads are already congested here. This poses a significant problem for people who work in the Kuala Lumpur area.
"People are forced to leave their homes very early, like 5am, even then, roads are already congested," said Izwan.
Meanwhile, a 53-year-old housewife shares her disappointment in the previous state government despite hoping for progress after the general elections.
She recounts the damages caused by floods and how promises of repairs were not fully met.
"Before this, we experienced floods, including in the business areas. There were many damages, like roof leaks, broken concrete, and others.
"Edry Faizal Eddy Yusof, the previous state assemblyman, promised that this place would be repaired after the floods to enable us to carry out business activities with ease," said Zulaina Kassim.
Rasmini Hasibuan, a 75-year-old vegetable seller, also said she is sad after the disaster, which left her with huge losses.
She appreciates the assistance received but says it lacked compassion.
"I felt like they provided aid but, at the same time, didn't show any compassion towards us.
"My husband is sick, and I work almost every day to save whatever I can. I wish for nothing but positive changes," she added.
Meanwhile, Ishak Latip, a 72-year-old retired Telekom worker, raises concerns about allowing 18-year-olds and above to vote as opposed to the previous voting age of 21, fearing this lot lacks understanding and could be potentially influenced by others.
"I don't want to assume that they are not mature enough to understand politics because I believe some of them are.
"However, at this age, I believe most young people vote based on what they see, for example, through parental advice or friends' influence. This could lead to significant issues as they may not fully comprehend what they are voting for," said Ishak.
Apart from that, regarding the change of parties, Ishak just hoped the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Dusun Tua, Datuk Johan Abd Aziz, would perform well in this area and avoid giving false hope like Edry did.
Wati Shah, a 50-year-old convenience store owner, says despite numerous political parties, none stay true to their word, and promises often remain merely empty words.
"We have too many parties, and sometimes I don't see any changes. They only care about the power they have.
"I can say it's 50/50 for me to vote because, based on my experience, the promises they make are just words.
"Dusun Tua used to be predominantly Malay, but now there are Achenese people here from 10 years ago," said Wati Shah.
Selvamaniam A/L Aramugan, a retired police officer, believes that as long as elected representatives fulfil their promises, it doesn't matter which party represents the people.
"As a government servant, I will support Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Harapan, as he is doing good for the country.
"I don't want anyone else but him, as I know he suffered a few years ago, and now I respect him as the Prime Minister," Selvamaniam said.
As of now, he can't comment on the differences since Anwar took office, as they only happened eight months ago.
Everybody must be happy and equal, and the country must thrive while respecting religion and race, he said.
