Some 150 volunteers residing in the Lembah Pantai constituency turned up on Sunday evening with friends and family of all ages to help plant the flags in support of Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Fahmi Fadzil.
The volunteers had originally planted the flags last Wednesday but they were removed by the authorities who said the flags did not adhere to campaign requirements as they had no party symbols.
The project, organised by Malaysian Spring’s Ng Sek San, said about 30 people had helped plant the small coloured flags at the roundabout last week but the number increased after residents learnt that the earlier flags had been removed.
“I think the large turnout must have been because of the frustration the volunteers felt when the flags were taken away.”
Fahmi’s mother, who was seen cracking jokes with the volunteers, said the flag-planting event had always been done before general elections and she felt honoured to help out as this time, she was planting hope for her own son.
“There was a ‘magic show’ last week when the flags we planted under the rain were gone the next day. This time we have put PKR’s logo on each flag,” she said, adding that judging from the number of volunteers, Fahmi had gotten the support of many Lembah Pantai residents.
A 15-year-old SMK Bukit Bandaraya student, who only wanted to be known as Danesh, said his interest in politics had grown stronger over the campaign period and he was glad to have a chance to participate in the community event.
“As a resident and a supporter of Fahmi, I felt the calling to lend a hand, especially when I know they could use all the help since it’s on a voluntary basis.”
Retiree Peggy Koh, 74, also turned up at the roundabout with a group of retirees.
“As a resident here, one should always assist our neighbours when help is needed.
“It is only once in five years and doing this isn’t difficult at all. We can all use the exercise,” she said, expressing hope that the flags would not be removed this time.
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