FORMER Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah has so far stayed true to her principles to practise clean politics on her campaign trail in Petaling Jaya.

No fear-mongering. No veiled threats. No ethnic or religious rhetoric to sway voters.

From her walkabouts in pasar malam and restaurants to ceramah organised by PKR and DAP, Maria has been sticking to a straightforward message: A vote for her is a vote against Barisan Nasional’s systemic corruption and poor governance.

“I have been involved in activism since the 1970s. We want change because we want a better Malaysia. For 61 years, the (BN) government has ignored our voice, trampled on our rights, arrested us (for speaking out).

“The anti-fake news law is just another attempt to shut us down. We must fight back, to fight for our integrity, our rights, our believe in a better Malaysia,” said the former activist to loud applause from about 600 people in a ceramah in Petaling Jaya Old Town on Monday night.

The first-time candidate is not a PKR member but is standing on its ticket.

She also took BN to task for failing to resolve the rising cost of living, malnourished children among the urban poor and ethnic discrimination, which resonated with the largely Chinese urban crowd.

Later at Dataran Glomac, she delivered the same message to youth and young families having their meals at mamak restaurants during her walkabout with PKR candidate for Seri Setia, Dr Shaharuddin Badaruddin.

Seri Setia is one of three state seats under Petaling Jaya. The other two are Taman Medan and Bukit Gasing.

First-time voters Raj, 27, and Sheila, 26, told Malaysia Decides they had already decided to vote for PH even before meeting Maria in person.

“Enough said. We’ll vote for change,” said Raj.

A banana seller at the Kg Lindungan night market that Maria visited in the evening said he knew Maria from her time in Bersih.

“I know who she is. Previously, I’m a strong Umno supporter but I can hardly earn RM3,000 a month now even though I’m selling at pasar malam seven days a week,” said the man in his 50s, also a BR1M recipient, and supporting two children in college.

Praising former Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as a caring legislator, the trader said he would give PH a chance in Putrajaya. – May 2, 2018.