Many, including from Maharani and Sungai Balang, turned up at the Muar Traders Hotel despite knowing that the debate was not given the green light by the state police.
Although the debate did not take place, this did not stop them from raising questions which were mostly targeted at incumbent Razali. The deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, however, was not present.
One of the constituents claimed Razali was ignorant about youth development while another asked why the three-term incumbent did not initiate programmes to encourage youth development and instead only had programmes with village heads.
“I received a leaflet on his programmes throughout the campaigning period, but what I notice is that none of the activities are appealing to the youth,” a member of the audience added.
Another disgruntled Maharani resident also queried the Barisan Nasional (BN) government over the lack of press freedom.
“I have not watched the television in a long time because I know they only broadcast what suits them.
“In Maharani, there is always water shortage issues, but not once was this highlighted on national television channels,” said the constituent, who is a mother.
She also claimed that there were many flaws in the education system, making it confusing for the schoolchildren, especially those in primary school.
“Their syllabus keeps changing, until my children are so confused. They ask me, but even I don’t have an answer as to why it keeps changing,” she said.
A member of the audience also said that if he had the choice, he would not work in Singapore.
“But I have to because there aren’t enough jobs here. Why is Datuk Seri (Razali) not do something about it?
“How does one prevent this town from becoming a town for retirees?”
Another participant said the villagers did not care about inflation or currency strength, but needed a government that would address problems surrounding the rising cost of living.
Another resident defended the goods and services tax (GST).
“Do we Muarians want development similar to Kuala Lumpur?
“I don’t feel that we are so terribly affected by the GST.”
His remarks, however, were jeered by others in the hall.
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