Winning over the Malays, who constitute 64% of the voters in Kedah’s capital, has been one of PH’s challenges.

Simon Ooi said Malay voters, like everyone else, are struggling with rising costs of living and slow salary increments.

This, he said, is why his campaign is centred around improving Alor Setar’s economy, including ensuring hawkers have access to the best spots to do business in town.

The two-term Bakar Arang assemblyman from PKR also aims to bring in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to set up their factories in Alor Setar to create jobs.

“On education, I would like to propose that we have technical and vocational educational (TVET) institutions established here,” he said, adding this would allow for upskilling and better income opportunities.

He also said he would push for more affordable housing projects in the area.

Ooi said he has also been engaging padi farmers in Alor Setar on PH’s manifesto promises to reform the padi subsidy delivery system, increase padi subsidies, and commit to investments in research and development.

He also disputed a claim by his MCA rival for the seat, Tan Chee Hiong, that he could not effectively serve the people as he was an “outsider”.

He said even though he was not a “local boy”, he worked with the Alor Setar community while serving as a state executive councillor when PH led the state government from 2018 till mid-2020.

“I am not foreign here as the voters know me well. My track record is proven here.”

Ooi will be contesting against Tan, Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamuddin (Perikatan Nasional), Nuhairi Rahmat (Pejuang), Fadzil Hanafi (Warisan), and independent candidates, Nordin Yunus and Sofan Feroza Md Yusup in a seven-corner fight.