PARTI Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has fielded the “best candidate” in Semenyih, a young activist who will serve as the people’s voice, said central committee member S. Arutchelvan.

He said Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul, 25, will serve as a strong opposition assemblyman.

“What the people need is a strong opposition, and we think PSM’s candidate is the best person for this, as Umno is not much different from Bersatu.

“The best thing is to have a candidate who is young and dynamic,” he told reporters at Dewan Seri Cempaka in Kajang after nomination today.

Nik Aziz is the youngest candidate in the four-cornered polls, slated for March 2. He is up against Barisan Nasional’s Zakaria Hanafi, Muhammad Aiman Zanali (Pakatan Harapan) and Kuan Chee Heng (independent).

Arutchelvan urged Semenyih youth, who make up 45% of the state constituency’s 54,471 voters, to cast their ballots come polling day.

Among the issues that PSM will address are low-cost housing and those involving workers.

Nik Aziz said he will actively use social media during his campaign.

“Each candidate has his own strengths, and what’s great is that the people will benefit, no matter who wins the by-election.”

In 2008, Arutchelvan contested the Semenyih seat on a PKR ticket. He received 10,448 votes, losing to Johan Aziz of Umno, who got 11,588.

In 2013, Arutchelvan stood as PSM’s candidate. He got 5,568 votes, while PKR’s Hamidi A. Hasan received 13,471 and BN’s Johan Abd Aziz, the winner, secured 17,616.

Arutchelvan contested the seat again in the elections on May 9 last year, receiving a mere 1,293 votes. The seat was won by PH’s Bakhtiar Mohd Nor, who got 23,428 votes, while BN’s Johan Abd Aziz polled 14,464 votes and PAS’ Mohd Shahmidur Mat Kosim (6,966).

Bakhtiar died of a heart attack last month.

Meanwhile, Kuan said he will focus on helping the poor, who have been sidelined by the community.

“It’s not about politics. it’s about providing solutions to people in Semenyih who need help. We must help those who are hungry and sick.

“Those who are sick do not have enough money to go to hospital, and there are a lot of them in Beranang. We need to see what we can do about this.” – February 16, 2019.