IN a low key event at the Seri Semarak low cost flat tonight, Zulhasnan Rafique, who quit as Malaysia’s ambassador to the United States to contest in the 14th general election (GE14), urged voters there to again pick Barisan Nasional (BN) on May 9.

“I would like to seek your help to again pick BN. We have been serving the community here since 1995. I think people have gotten almost all the things (requested), with the latest facilities being the community hall and the multi-storey carpark,” said Zulhasnan.

He added the only thing that has yet to be resolved was the strata title issue at the flats, which he only found out not long ago.

“We will look into it just as how we had dealt with other problems faced before,” said Zulhasnan.

The 64 year old veteran politician had been living in Setiawangsa for more than 25 years and is BN’s candidate for the parliamentary seat for GE14.

He also talked about the growing ‘bond’ he has with flat residents.

In the event attended by roughly 200 flat dwellers and BN supporters, Zulhasnan also talked about his manifesto, which focused on four pillars – infrastructure, safety, health and social welfare.

He spent about 40 minutes giving his speech and met the residents after.

Zulhasnan, who arrived with an entourage, also brought along his wife and a grandchild.

He also gave away rice packets and other goodies to those attended the function.

None of the reporters were able to approach him to ask him questions as they were blocked by several burly men in blue BN uniforms.

The mood at the event was also not as lively as the one organised by the opposition based on Malaysia Decide’s observation.

Setiawangsa is a BN stronghold and has been voting for the ruling coalition since 1995.

Zulhasnan was first elected as Wangsa Maju MP in 1999 by defeating PKR’s Marina Mohd Yusoff by 5,618 votes.

He then contested and emerged victorious again in the Setiawangsa parliamentary seat in 2004 and 2008.

After he spent more than five years away from politics, Zulhasnan was asked to secure the Setiawangsa seat for BN in GE14.

He will be engaged in a three-cornered fight with PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and PAS’ Ubaid Abdul Akla. – May 5, 2018.