DESPITE having no specific manifesto for the Simpang Jeram state by-election, Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Nazri Abdul Rahman is determined to continue the efforts previously undertaken by the incumbent assemblyman.

Nazri said he believed what the late Salahuddin Ayub left behind was a legacy that needed to be strengthened, especially concerning the welfare of the people, including 40,379 registered voters in the constituency.

This includes programmes such as condolence visits, distribution of Rahmah food aid, community supplies, assistance for the underprivileged, school aid and patient bed donations.

“When drawing up a manifesto, assessing whether the offers are achievable and suitable for local needs is important. If we only promise, we may fail to deliver and disappoint the people,” he said after participating in recreational activities with the Chinese community in Taman Indah in Muar today.

“As the candidate, what I can achieve and the local community’s wishes are more important than making promises that we are not sure about.”

While denying he was using Salahuddin’s name to gain sympathy votes during his campaign, Nazri, who is also Bakri Amanah division deputy chief, said as the special officer to Salahuddin for two terms, he understood what the latter had in mind all this time.

“Salahuddin’s intention was more towards helping the people. He did not want Simpang Jeram residents to go without food, education or access to healthcare facilities,” he said.

“That is why the Rahmah initiatives have helped many people, including students and patients in need.”

Nazri also said he would want to focus on issues related to flash floods and drainage systems, housing, sports facilities and job training for young people if elected as a representative.

He said even though his opponents, Dr Mohd Mazri Yahya of Perikatan Nasional and Independent candidate S. Jeganathan, have announced their respective manifestos, he was not worried that the voters would shift their support to them.

On the support of Chinese voters, who make up 44.58% of the total electors in Simpang Jeram, Nazri said it was growing day by day.

Simpang Jeram is one of two by-elections called following the death of Salahuddin, who was also the domestic trade and cost of living minister, on July 23. The other is the Pulai parliamentary seat.

Polling for both seats is on Saturday. – Bernama, September 6, 2023.