PAKATAN Harapan’s M. Manogaran is imploring farmers to vote for him, saying he is better able to bring development to Cameron Highlands as an MP from the ruling pact than independent candidate Wong Seng Yee.

Wong, who holds a master’s degree in horticultural science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is routinely seen on the campaign trail with a hoe in hand, emphasising his family’s agricultural link to Tanah Rata, particularly the highland town of Brinchang.

“I respect all candidates, but I feel those who are independents are at a disadvantage. The fact is, PH is the government, and we should do all we can do assist farmers and other segments of society in Cameron Highlands,” Manogaran told The Malaysian Insight.

A hot topic is the land grant issue, which Manogaran said he has the expertise to handle.

“Although I am not a farmer, I have worked here. I’ve met farmers, and I’ve handled problems that they are facing.

“Even though he (Wong) is a farmer here, that doesn’t mean I can’t help. I have been a lawyer assisting the people here, and I am familiar with land issues. I believe I am in a better position to help the people here as a lawyer.

“As a lawyer, I can fight better. I call on the people to look at this aspect. I have taken up cases against the authorities, cases against TNB (Tenaga Nasional Bhd), fight for the oppressed in Bertam Valley, and I can do the same for others, like farmers.

“We are in the government, we are in the best position to help.”

He said Tanah Rata voters generally face land issues, lack of affordable housing, traffic congestion and lack of parking.

“In Jelai, you have second-generation housing problems. There are people who are jobless as there has been no industry here. Children have to walk to school as there’s no transport,” he said, adding that there are also issues concerning the welfare of army veterans and Felda settlers.

Others include illegal logging and river pollution, faced primarily by Orang Asli.

The Cameron Highlands by-election on January 26 will see a four-way fight between Manogaran, Wong, Aminuddin Baki Institute lecturer Sallehudin Ab Talib (independent) and former senior police officer Ramli Mohd Nor (Barisan Nasional). – January 20, 2019.