STRONG political ideologies have sometimes turned neighbours into foes at the Pantai Permai flats.

Some want change via Pakatan Harapan, while others are loyal to the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government.

“To avoid trouble we do not talk about politics. Not only will things turn ugly, but sometimes those who support the opposition might be threatened,” said Anis Salehuddin, 43, a small-time trader who supports PKR.

She used to stay at Kondo Rakyat, a low cost apartment in Pantai Dalam but moved out when she remarried.

Anis, however, was still a registered voter in Pantai Dalam.

Her statement was supported by long-time neighbour, retiree Hashim Manaf, 65.

Hashim is a strong PKR supporter and has been voting for it since 2003.

He said some neighbours could not accept anyone but the government.

One of the reasons for their loyalty is their dependence on government handouts. 
 
“They are afraid of change. They think if we change government they will lose government aid. They feel indebted,” said Hashim. 

“They are wrong. It is the government’s responsibility to help its people.” 

He tried talking to his neighbours about the rising cost of living and how the situation was not improving under the current leadership.

“We need change. It has to be in this general election. That is my argument when I talk to them,” said Hashim.

Intan Suhana Mohd Sidek, 40, however, said Lembah Pantai voters should choose Umno.

“I do not know much about politics. But I’ve been staying here for eight years. Nothing has changed. 

“I prefer to give my vote to the government. At least they have the money and capability to do something about this area,” she said.

PKR won the Pantai Dalam parliamentary in 2008 and 2013 through its vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar. 

She beat BN’s Shahrizat Abdul Jalil in 2008 by 15,288 votes and defeated BN’s Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin and independent candidate Rusli Baba five years later by only 1,847 votes.

PKR won big in Bangsar and Sentosa but lost in predominant Malay areas like the ones in Pantai Permai where the majority of flats are.

Lembah Pantai PKR Youth chief Fahmi Fadzil said 65% of the votes in the flat areas went to BN but Pakatan Harapan hoped Bersatu and Amanah could help them end BN’s influence.

“Bersatu’s presence has helped us reach those friendly to Umno and Amanah with those who are friendly with PAS,” said Fahmi.

“They have opened some doors for us.”

He said it was tough to get the flat dwellers to switch from BN but work was being done to get them to see what the opposition could offer.

He said the infighting in Umno divisions could boost PKR’s chance of winning.

Return of Raja Nong Chik

There are rumours Raja Nong Chik would be challenging Nurul Izzah in GE14 even though he lost in 2013. 

Although a strong PKR supporter, Hashim said Raja Nong Chik, who is Umno Lembah Pantai division chief, was a good leader.

But the problem with Umno he said stemmed from grassroots leaders who failed to carry out their responsibilities.

“Raja Nong Chik is good. He is still on the ground even though he lost in the last general election. But his men failed to distribute the aid given,” said Hashim.

He said Nong Chik and Nurul Izzah were active but the latter’s visits and programmes were done without media attention.

“So people think she is not doing work,” said Hashim.

Another flat dweller, Hisham Aszhairil, 31, said Nong Chik was mostly seen at government programmes.

“If City Hall has a programme here, of course they would invite Nong Chik instead of Nurul Izzah,” said Hisham.

Hisham, however, agreed Raja Nong Chik was a good person.

“If you invite him to a wedding, he will come. He visits those who are ill, especially those from Kampung Pasir,” said Hisham.

Separately, Hisham noticed the opposition has been actively conducting their own activities and engaging with the people

“Like the goreng pisang session and today’s walkabout at Pasar Tani,” he said.

Pakatan Harapan and Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah conducted a walkabout at Pasar Tani Pantai Permai where they spent about two hours meeting the people and engaging with the crowd as well as distributing pamphlets.

Hisham said Malaysia should give the opposition a chance to rule the country. – March 4, 2018.