A GROUP of second-generation Felda settlers are rooting for a Pakatan Harapan win in the Cameron Higlands by-election, saying it is the only way to end the years of intimidation by Barisan Nasional.

The group, led by Mohd Nor Afandi Daud, 54, along with 14 others, are urging other second-generation Felda settlers to join their cause, assuring them that the scare tactics of the previous government could no longer hurt them.

“When the state and federal government was held by BN, we held back. If we had spoken out then, as we are doing now, we would have been boycotted.

“Some of our neighbours looked at us like we were outsiders. They would say we were ungrateful when we crticised the BN government then,” Afandi said at a press conference in Sg Koyan 3 today. 

Afandi said had they dared to speak openly about their dissatisfaction with BN in the past, monthly allocations for their children would be withheld and they would be blacklisted. 

The group said some of the problems the second-generation settlers faced now included deteriorating economic situations and abandoned housing projects, supposedly to be built for them by Felda.

“Job opportunities for second-generation settlers are limited. We are dependent on our parents and work on their plantations. We do not have fixed incomes,” he said.

Following recent visits by Pakatan Harapan leaders like Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali and Defence Minister Mohammad Sabu, the settlers are hoping against hope that their voices are being heard. 

“Mat Sabu told us there was an additional RM20 million allocation in the budget for veteran soldiers, while Azmin said he will resolve the housing problems as it has been going on for too long,” Afandi said.

PH’s campaign has said it expected to gain support from Jelai residents, but also admitted the going would be tough as the area is traditionally a BN stronghold. 

Second-generation Felda settlers also came out in numbers to show their support for BN and its candidate, Ramli Mohd Nor, an Orang Asli native from the Semai tribe. 

Cameron Highlands goes to the polls on Saturday to decide on the victor of the parliamentary seat between PH’s M. Manogaran, Ramli, and independent candidates Wong Seng Yee and Salehuddin Ab Talib. – January 22, 2019.