Fondly known as Ari by the locals, the former graft buster said people had been seeking his help over various matters since he served as the MACC intelligence chief for the northern region.
He said the locals knew him at that time as a uniformed officer. Ari said, as an MACC officer, the best he could do was to guide those who sought his help to the right channels.
“Not everyone knows how to get help for their problems, and they rely on people in power to assist them.
“If I’m given the chance, I’ll (find ways) to address their problems directly. I can raise their concerns in the Kedah state assembly,” he told FMT.
Ari said he had identified several problems in Lunas that needed to be addressed. Among them is the difficulty for youths in the constituency to get jobs.
He said as a result, some take the easy way out to survive by turning to crime, with the main concern being drug peddling.
“There are other social problems too, and I want to find a way to solve them,” he said.
He also expressed his intention to improve the infrastructure in the area, such as water supply problems.
Ari hoped to make Lunas financially independent because he believes that issues with infrastructure could be sorted out if the constituency had its own budget.
“Yes, the state government has its funds, but we have no idea how much is being spent to settle the problems here, such as the upkeep and infrastructure,” he said.
He also hoped to help the youths get placements in public universities and jobs in the public sector, adding that there were many talented youngsters in the area that could use some help.
“Not everyone is well-off. These people really need help.
“Some students get really good results but they can’t get placements in public universities. These people deserve some help,” he said, adding that he would also help those who want to start their own businesses.
Ari said he had been receiving a lot of positive feedback from constituents of all races as they recognised him as a former uniformed officer.
He said they were willing to vouch for him as they were aware of his reputation.
“They give me encouraging words such as: ‘Ari boleh, mesti boleh’.”