Independent candidate confident to win Pulai parliament

JOHOR BAHRU - As an independent candidate contesting the Pulai parliamentary by-election, Samsudin Mohamad Fauzi hopes that his status as an 'outsider' contesting in the constituency will not be a reason for voters to reject him.

He explained that it should not be an issue as he wants the voters to evaluate the capabilities and plans he offers for the Pulai parliament for the next five years.

The Kuala Lumpur Consumer Safety Association (PKPKL) chairman said that many people did not know that he was born in Kluang and has family members here.

"I am confident that the voters in this parliamentary constituency will be able to accept me with an open mind and understand my struggle.

"My struggle is not aimed at chasing power or position but rather to bring the voice of the people of multiple races to the central level," he said while campaigning in the Kempas area here today.

In the Pulai by-election on Sept 9, Samsudin will be contesting using the key logo and will face Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Zulkifli Jaafar, Pakatan Harapan (PH), and Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Suhaizan Kaiat.

Samsudin said he will try to 'penetrate' the Pulai parliament and thus wants to become an effective member of parliament with a background of leadership in a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and not a politician.

He said the work culture in Dewan Rakyat is believed to be more effective if there is a third power block, which is made up of independent representatives consisting of NGO.

"Like the people, I am also tired of politicians who are busy fighting for power and positions while there are too many consumer issues, including people's safety, that should be brought to Parliament.

"It is clear through this by-election campaign because when distributing leaflets, voters are more open when they know that I have experience in NGOs.

"Obviously their hatred towards the struggle of political parties increased because many claimed to be affected by the issue of rising prices of goods and so on," he said.

Samsudin said that the experience of competing in the 15th General Election (GE15) for Putrajaya parliament will also be used as best as possible this time.

"On my first experience, I faced various constraints due to the fact that the campaign materials were only ready a few days before the voting day.

"But this time everything went smoothly; many voters also followed my progress on social media and gave me encouragement," he said.