BARISAN Nasional’s candidate for the Kuala Selangor parliamentary seat Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim said people are indifferent to issues, such as the goods and services tax (GST) and the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, as they are more concerned with local developmental issues.

“The people are not taken in (with national issues) because most of these issues are fabricated purely to be used as campaigning material, to force the people to hate Barisan Nasional,” said Irmohizam when asked if Kuala Selangor folk have brought up the GST and 1MDB controversy during his walkabouts.

Irmohizam has promised 15 developmental projects for Kuala Selangor, including building a community college, schools, and low-cost housing units, if he is re-elected.

“As a local myself, of course, I know the heartbeat of the people. I understand what they need, because I was raised in a similar environment,” he said.

However, while several locals expressed their approval of Irmohizam, most who spoke to Malaysia Decides shared that they are troubled by national issues, especially economic concerns, as they are suffering from the rising cost of living.

“Under YB (Irmohizam), it’s been good. I’ve obtained assistance with ease. He also always comes to meet the people,” said Nor Azizah Siron, 65.

“But we are all feeling the pinch and things are expensive. We hope the government continues to look out for the likes of people like me,” said the Puncak Alam resident.

Others, like Nasir Mohamad, 38, were more direct, blaming the GST for the hike in prices and services.

“I have two children. I don’t get BR1M because I am working and paying taxes. The GST is a huge burden, even in Kuala Selangor, where things are as expensive as Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

In the 2013 elections, Irmohizam defeated incumbent Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who was then a PAS candidate, by a paper-thin majority of 460 votes.

These elections, the two are engaged in a three-cornered fight with PAS candidate Mohamad Fakaruddin Ismail.

Early on-the-ground research has indicated that Dr Dzulkefly is in the lead for Kuala Selangor, but the Amanah leader has said he is not taking any chance and is prepared for a tough fight. – May 4, 2018.