AMID the politicking on both sides of the divide in GE14, Malaysia Decides is focusing on what parliamentary candidates will stand for and what they rate as the country’s most urgent problems. We ask them five questions about their role as federal lawmakers, if they are elected.

Lim Guan Eng, the 57-year-old caretaker chief minister of Penang, is defending the Bagan seat for a third term. The DAP secretary-general will be in a four-cornered fight with candidates from Barisan Nasional (MCA), Parti Cinta Malaysia and the Malaysia United Party. Bagan has been a DAP stronghold since 1986.

Q: What will you fight for in Parliament?

LGE: A Malaysia free from corruption, oppression and injustice.

Q: What are the three most urgent problems in the country?

LGE: The first is of course that of income inequality. Secondly, that of political freedom and civil rights. Thirdly is corruption and crony capitalism that have robbed the people blind… with billions of ringgit stolen.

Q: What is the solution?

LGE: You must have a people’s government, one that makes decisions for the good of the people and not for its cronies, one that makes a strong stand against corruption, and fights for democracy over a kleptocracy.

Q: What is the state of the nation?

LGE: I think we are in a state of crisis. At a crossroad. There is no other choice now for our children and their future but to change after 61 years. They have already robbed our future. Let them not rob our children’s future.

Q: Why should voters pick you?

LGE: We represent the future. We represent progress, justice, freedom, and hope for a better future with equal opportunities for everyone. – April 29, 2018.