The Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate, who is fondly known as Cikgu Imran, said there were many essential matters that needed attention, with Parit Buntar folk mostly comprising fishermen and farmers.

While describing the town as fortunate for being situated at the borders of three states – Penang, Kedah and Perak – he said there was no higher education institution to spur the local economy.

“(If I become MP) my responsibility will be to establish a higher education institution here because, with that, there will be more people residing here and the economy will grow for petty traders here.

“I am determined to promote education for the children of Parit Buntar, regardless of race. I believe that education can change families, communities, and even the nation,” he told FMT.

Imran said he was also disappointed with the low home-ownership rate among B40 families here, especially with the abundance of land in Parit Buntar that could be used to build affordable homes.

“I have a student who is staying in a house with 13 family members. Why so many in one house? Those who get married remain in their parents’ house because they can’t afford to buy their own.

“I will take the responsibility to (build affordable homes) so that young families here can have their own homes. If they want to build it themselves, it’s no problem. We’ll just prepare the land.”

He also wanted to create high-skilled job opportunities for local youths, particularly in tourism and modern agriculture. Currently, he said, many young locals travel to Penang daily for work.

Imran, who was a teacher at SK Methodist Parit Buntar and then SMK Panglima Bukit Gantang for over 22 years, said it would not be impossible to fulfil his “manifesto”.

Imran is in a four-cornered fight for the parliamentary seat. Aside from Mujahid, who is a three-term Parit Buntar MP, he faces Misbahul Munir Masduki of Perikatan Nasional and Rohijas Sharif (Pejuang).