No respite for candidates in by-elections even on public holiday

JOHOR BARU: There was no respite from campaigning for candidates in the Pulai and Simpang Jeram by-elections despite the public holiday for Merdeka.

Candidates held Merdeka eve events on Wednesday night, including ceramah with supporters.

Pakatan Harapan’s Pulai candidate Suhaizan Kayat said celebrating the country’s 66th independence anniversary was a special moment for him as he was on the campaign trail.

“People are always very patriotic when it comes to Merdeka, where they will put up the Malaysia flag and sing patriotic songs together,” he said when met at PPR Kempas Permai here yesterday.

His opponent, Perikatan Nasional’s Zulkifli Jaafar, said his campaigning during Merdeka went really well.

“It is the sixth day of campaigning, which falls on Merdeka, and despite it being a public holiday, I will continue to meet with voters,” he added.

In Muar, Simpang Jeram by-election candidates along with their supporters could be seen handing out Jalur Gemilang to the public since Merdeka eve.

Pakatan candidate Nazri Abdul Rahman said this is the first time he is contesting in an election.

“The Merdeka celebration is different for me this year as it falls in the midst of the election.

“It will be an extra meaningful Merdeka if I win and get to continue Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub’s legacy of helping the people here,” he said.

He said the significance of Merdeka should go beyond just celebrating the country’s independence.

“For me, we have only truly reached Merdeka if we are also independent in our thinking and actions.

“There are, however, some basic national principles, including maintaining unity, that we should uphold. But other than that, we should be independent in terms of our thoughts and actions,” he said.

Meanwhile, Perikatan candidate Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya said Merdeka this year was not much different compared to previous years.

“I run my own NGO and am also active in social work. As such, I normally spend my Merdeka day serving the people, and that is basically what I am doing now as a candidate.

“So, it is not that much of a difference. However, this year, my schedule is more hectic,” he said.

He added that, for him, a country has only truly reached independence once it has leaders who are just and do not lie.