A LOCAL, religious figure comparable to the late elected representative – this is what constituents in the Sungai Kandis state seat prefer, said a survey.

The survey, conducted by Institut Darul Ehsan (IDE) on July 11 and 12, found that 35% of voters want a local as their representative, and 13% want a religious figure.

A statement issued by the IDE Research Cluster said 48% want a representative who is comparable to the previous elected rep.

“A representative who is a local is seen as someone who can better meet the needs of constituents, who want a local voice representing them in resolving issues. Voters also hope that the elected representative will discharge his duties as effectively as the previous rep.”

The Sungai Kandis by-election was called following the death of assemblyman Mat Shuhaimi Shafiei of PKR on July 2.

It will see a three-cornered fight between Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni of Pakatan Harapan, Lokman Noor Adam (Barisan Nasional) and K. Murthy (independent). Polling day has been set for August 4.

Zawawi is a local who heads a religious school in the constituency. Lokman hails from Johor, while Murthy is from Klang.

On voters’ mood, the survey found that 81%, mostly aged 35 and above, are eager for the polls, while the younger set is adopting a “wait-and-see” attitude.

“Of those surveyed, 19% of voters of various ages have a different stand with regard to the by-election, such as not wanting to go to the polls (7%), tired of voting (9%), difficult to get leave from work and living far away, among others.

“However, the candidates, campaigns and other matters will have an impact on voter turnout on August 4, which is a Saturday. In the 14th general election, voter turnout was 85.8%.”

The statement said in this regard, it will be a challenge for the competing parties to urge voters to cast their ballots.

It said the survey, involving constituents in 19 polling districts, analysed voters’ attitude in GE14 to determine the factors behind their voting pattern.

“Evidently, the following factors – Dr Mahathir Mohamad, rejection of BN, election pledge to abolish the goods and services tax, and the ability of PH to govern, especially in Selangor – drew support from voters, particularly Malays.

“The survey findings indicate that the success of the Pakatan Rakyat and PH administrations in Selangor over the past 10 years has led Malays in the state to feel that PH can serve as a political platform for the community.”

The Sungai Kandis seat has 51,230 registered voters, comprising 51,217 ordinary and 13 absentee voters. – Bernama, July 26, 2018.