PEJUANG candidate Mahdzir Ibrahim, 46, believes that a gentle campaign approach that appeals to voters’ compassionate side is more effective rather than an aggressive campaign that attacks opponents.

The Batu Pahat native told The Malaysian Insight that, aside from the traditional campaign to meet voters, he also reached out to the Chinese community through Tik Tok, by giving speeches in Hokkien.

Despite not being proficient in the language, Mahdzir, who is contesting for the Semerah state assembly seat, said he was still trying to win hearts and minds.

“I believe every race will feel appreciated when we try to understand something through their language.

“It is important how we touch their hearts with a cultural approach, not about complaining, hitting out at others here and there. People now are smart enough.

“I use Hokkien to uplift the spirits, to nurture their culture so that they understand Pejuang is their best alternative,” he said of his Malay nationalist party formed by rebels from Bersatu.

Semerah is a small town in Batu Pahat, known for the struggle of the local community against Communist insurgents during the Emergency.

In terms of demographics, the majority of Semerah voters are Malay (71%), followed by Chinese (28%) and a smattering of Indians (1%).

To penetrate the BN stronghold, Mahdzir said he is using his previous experience in DAP to reach out to the Chinese voters.

“We are always told that Pejuang is a Malay party, but the message of Pejuang’s struggle is actually for all the people.

“That’s why when we campaign, we speak in Malay as well as Chinese. In Semerah, the largest populations are Malay and Chinese, so our campaign has to be kind to all races, and not just a gimmick.

“Even in the videos, we explain that Pejuang is fighting for all Malaysians,” Mahdzir said.

He was entrusted by DAP to contest the Tanjung Piai parliamentary seat in the 13th general election, losing to Wee Jeck Seng of MCA.

Mahdzir admitted that his experience with DAP gave him exposure to campaigning in Chinese neighbourhoods and the culture.

“I have been exposed to the culture, the approach to the campaign and the issues that are of concern to the Chinese.

“As the representative of Pejuang, we must be polite when it comes to race issues, as it is important to a party that aspires to be a stabiliser to Malaysian politics,” he said.

Mahdzir also said that he would produce another series of campaigns through short videos in Chinese in the run-up to the Johor polls on March 12.

“So far, my friends, especially the Chinese voters in Semerah, are very happy, because we respect their culture.

“At least we try to speak Hokkien to convey our campaign message.

“We have a few more series (videos will be published) to reach out to the Chinese in Batu Pahat, in Semerah in particular,” he said.

Open fight in Semerah

On paper, all contestants have a chance to win in Semerah, the seat held by former Pakatan Harapan (PH) youth, sports, and culture exco Mohd Khuzzan Abu Bakar.

This is because Khuzzan only won the Semerah seat in 2018 with a majority of 98 votes against then BN candidate Mohd Ismail Roslan.

Khuzzan is PKR’s candidate again despite facing opposition from his own grassroots.

The Semerah state constituency will see a five-horse race in the Johor polls this time.

Aside from Mahdzir and Khuzzan, those trying their luck include Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid from Umno/BN, Ariss Samsudin (Perikat Nasional), and Kamarolzaman Mohd Jidi representing Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia (Putra).

Semerah is known as a BN stronghold and the coalition had never lost before the last general election.

However, Mahdzir sees acceptance of Pejuang in this seat, and claims voters are also more friendly.

“There is no gap. Compared to before (with) DAP, there seems to be a gap (with voters), that’s why I see the opportunities in Semerah are quite balanced.

“The Pejuang campaign has so far not received rejection, especially in Semerah, from either Chinese and Malay voters.

“Similarly, in Umno strongholds, Pejuang had no problem campaigning as well, voters also can easily approach me as a candidate,” Mahdzir said.

He believes Pejuang has an advantage because it is not burdened with political issues.

“Pejuang does not have a political history that can cast doubt in people’s mind, for example Perikatan Nasional co-operating with BN at federal level.

“Similarly, PH has already made its memorandum of understanding with the government, so the people who really want to reject corruption are sceptical.

“Also, they see PKR as PH but PKR is not contesting with the PH logo,” he said, adding that all those things annoy voters.

“We are solo, we convince the people that a stable government can be formed through Pejuang, that is my advantage,” he said.

“Malay-based Pejuang has more chance of becoming a stable government than PH because there are always political disputes or differences in a coalition.”

Aside from Semerah, Pejuang is contesting 41 of 56 constituencies in the Johor elections, with polling day on Saturday. – March 8, 2022.