“Johari was a nice person. He did not care about who you were and would just help you if you need it,” supermarket employee Faizan Mat Zain, 39, told FMT.

“I hope the new assemblyman who will be elected on Saturday has the same characteristics.”

The Pelangai by-election was triggered by the death of Johari, who was also an exco member, in the plane crash near Bandar Elmina in Shah Alam on Aug 17.

In the 15th general election, Johari won the seat for Barisan Nasional in a four-cornered fight against Perikatan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan and Pejuang candidates.

Ramli Mat, the Tok Batin (community leader) from Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Gapoi, hoped the next assemblyman would help the community as much as Johari did.

Business owner Yew Ting Foo, 43, said Johari would always go to the ground to meet the people.

“He was a nice person and very accessible,” he said, adding that he hoped Johari’s successor would emulate his style.

Yew also hoped the next assemblyman would continue efforts to improve internet access in the area.

“We can barely get any internet access. As a business owner, that affects my business, so I hope it can be resolved soon,” he said.

The by-election will see a three-cornered fight among BN’s Amizar Abu Adam, PN’s Kasim Samat and independent candidate Haslihelmy DM Zulhasli.