State polls: 'Be it BN or DAP, just serve us after winning', Dusun Tua voters say

SHAH ALAM - As polling day for the state elections approaches, the people's sentiments in the Dusun Tua State Legislative Assembly range from acknowledging progress in the area to expressing disappointment in unfulfilled promises.

In a diverse community like Dusun Tua, the voices of its residents reflected a wide spectrum of opinions and concerns.

A voter in the area, Izwan Saa, 39, said he was opened to the change of party in the state seat as long as representatives prioritised the welfare of the people in Dusun Tua.

"As for now, I have noticed some changes in Dusun Tua, like the recent opening of a Marrybrown restaurant a few days ago," the barista said.

However, he said he really wanted the traffic situation in the area to be fixed.

"I really want the roads to be fixed in terms of traffic congestion.

"Every morning, by 6am, it's already jammed here (on the road), which poses a significant risk for people who work in Kuala Lumpur.

"We even have to leave home as early as 5.30am and even by then the traffic will start building up," he said.

Meanwhile, housewife Zulaina Sain, 53, shared her disappointment as there was no progress to develop the area after the general election.

She recounted the losses she sufferred which were caused by floods and how promises of repair works were not fully met, leaving her questioning the impact of receiving assistance.

"Before this, we experienced floods. We suffered roof leaks, broken concrete and many other damages due to the floods," she said adding that the Dusun Tua residents were part of the B40 group.

Zulaina said previously, incumbent Dusun Tua assemblyman Edry Faizal Eddy Yusof from DAP had promised that repair works would be carried out in the area after the floods so that businesses can run smoothly in the area.

However, promises were not fulfilled.

Another resident, Rasmini Hasibuan, 75, said she was devastated when the natural disaster happened as she sufferred losses.

The vegetable seller said although she appreciated the assistance provided, she hoped for more positive changes to be made instead of being treated as a 'vote'.

"I felt like they provided aid, but at the same time, they took it personally and 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," said Rasmini.

On the other hand, Ishak Latip, 72, a retiree raised concerns over the Undi18 movement to vote, fearing their potential lack of understanding and might be easily influenced by others.

"I don't want to assume that they are not matured enough to understand politics because I believe some of them are.

"However, at this age, I believe most of the 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 said he hoped that Barisan Nasional's candidate, Datuk Johan Abd Aziz would be able to perform well in the area and not give false hope like how Edry did.

Wati Shah, a 50-year-old grocery shop owner said she had observed numerous political parties but was skeptical about real changes and felt like promises made were often just 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 is 50-50 for me to vote because based on my experience, the promises they make are just words.

"Dusun Tua used to be a predominantly Malay area, but now there are Achenese people here, starting from 10 years ago," she said.

Retired cop A.Selvamaniam said he believed that as long as the elected representatives fulfilled their promises, it did not matter which party represented the people.

"As a government servant, I will support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from Pakatan Harapan, as he is doing good for the country.

"I don't want anyone else but him, as I know he has suffered a few years back and now I respect him as the Prime Minister," Selvamaniam said.

He said he was not able to comment on the differences in the change of administration of the country so far since it has only been eight months since Anwar became the Prime Minister.