DESPITE being a former minister and a giant in her party, Umno Wanita head Shahrizat Abdul Jalil has big shoes to fill if she wants to win over voters in the Sungai Besar parliamentary seat. 

Ironically her status as a national figure will not be of much help, say Sungai Besar residents who are used to the “kampung boy” reputation of its incumbent Budiman Mohd Zohdi.

Budiman, who is also from Barisan Nasional and Umno, has cemented his reputation as a parliamentarian with a commoner’s touch, showing up unannounced at gatherings with almost no protocol or entourage.

The former Family and Community Development minister is a not a well-known figure in the constituency as rumours swirl that she will be fielded in this rural seat in the 14th general election. 

Most voters met by The Malaysian Insight expressed familiarity with Budiman, who is also the Sungai Panjang assemblyman and a native born.

Budiman is known to appear at weddings and to mingle with the residents informally. 

“That is the sort of leader we need, not hypocritical. He is like an orang kampung (villager), without airs, more or less like us,” said Shamil Hakimi Nordin.

A 25-year-old resident of Taman Seri, Sungai Besar shared an experience when Budiman appeared at her sister’s wedding and livened up the ceremony.

“I didn’t know he would come. Suddenly the YB appeared and came for my sister’s kenduri,” he said, showing some photos where he had posed with Budiman.

Asked what he thought of Sharizat contesting in Sungai Besar,  Shahmil Hakimi smiled and replied: “It would be hard for villagers to accept.”

The Malaysian Insight spoke to folk there following Shahrizat’s visit to Sungai Besar yesterday to attend a wedding of a division leader’s child.

She also visited a district polling centre (PDM).

Umno Sungai Besar division chief Jamal Yunos gave his endorsement regarding the proposal for Shahrizat to contest the seat.

The Red Shirts leader said the coffee shop talk on Sharizat is increasing and said he would personally roll out the red carpet for Shahrizat to contest, although he said the matter was yet to be officially discussed in Umno.

Meanwhile, Azizi Said, 25, said candidates who are outsiders would find it difficult to understand the problems faced by locals, adding that Shahrizat does not have the package.

“This is still a village, they find it hard to accept outsiders. Sometimes locals also find difficulty in resolving the problems faced here, let alone outsiders,” he said.

In addition, the presence of Shahrizat just before the election is due to be called may not improve her chances.

“So the election is near, she shows her face, with no assistance… it’s not right that way,” said the private sector worker.

Azizi said he frequently saw Budiman at events around Sungai Besar.

“Budiman mingles with the people, he always comes for the kenduri,” said the Taman Setia resident.

Boon Keong felt that the Chinese community would be better served by Budiman.

“Budiman is okay. Shahrizat has many issues, such as the cow issues,” he said, referring to the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC) scandal.

Building contractor Mohd Shahrizal Mohd Sanid, 36, said Budiman is known to assist residents, especially when it comes to house repairs and community centres.

“I sometimes work with contractors who received home repair projects from Budiman,” said the father of three.

For him, there is no difference whether Shahrizat or Budiman contests in Sungai Besair, as both are from Barisan Nasional.

“I don’t care, their promises are okay, everything is the same with blue,” referring to BN’s colour.

Shahmil Hakimi added that, if given a choice between the two, he would not hesitate to choose Budiman. – February 11, 2018.