PKR’S Fahmi Fadzil has his work cut out for him in trying to win over Lembah Pantai voters with many of them still unsure of the first-time candidate while waxing lyrical about his competitor, Barisan Nasional’s Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin.

Many at the people’s housing project (PPR) Kerinchi, a low-cost housing area in Lembah Pantai, said Raja Nong Chik has done a better job endearing himself to the people compared with PKR’s Nurul Izzah Anwar.

Nurul Izzah defeated Raja Nong Chik by 1,847 votes in the 13th general election. However, she will not be defending the seat on May 9, but will instead be running in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat.

Fahmi, who was Nurul Izzah’s assistant, was announced as the candidate for Lembah Pantai, coming up against Raja Nong Chik and Fauzi Abu Bakar (PAS).

A resident, who only wanted to be named as Hayat, 41, said Nurul Izzah failed to connect with the people.

“Besides the evident development, Raja Nong Chik would attend every wedding that he is invited to but Nurul Izzah mostly would only connect with the females in the area,” he said.

Another resident, Ganesan Subramaniam, said Raja Nong Chik often visited the area and had put in a lot of effort to develop it.

“The government painted the blocks and fixed the roads. As compared to Nurul Izzah, Raja Nong Chik often drops by to give donations to the people, such as sugar, rice and other basic needs,” the 48-year-old said.

However, he acknowledged that Nurul Izzah was likely working with limited resources compared with the BN candidate.

A resident at the neighbouring PPR Pantai Ria who only wanted to be known as Siti, said Raja Nong Chik has proven himself as readily available to the people.

“Raja Nong Chik has always been concerned with the people here. He would be the first to come by if he knows any of us is in trouble.”

When asked about his thoughts on Fahmi, Hayat admitted he does not know much about the 37-year-old.

“I have seen him around but I don’t know what he can offer to us,” he said.

Siti from the PPR Pantai Ria agreed that residents knew too little about Fahmi to be able to easily make a decision on whom to vote for.

“Fahmi is still new, I’m unsure of what he can offer. We will just have to wait and see.” – April 30, 2018.