Several voters interviewed by FMT said there was little difference between the manifestos announced by the candidates from Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) as both touched on fundamental issues such as the economy, infrastructure and the people’s well-being.
However, when comparing the five pledges made by PH and PN, only the latter promised to defend minority communities by advocating the gazettement of Orang Asli settlements and ensuring better facilities for the villages.
Kampung Orang Asli Tun Razak chief Asu Dollah said PN’s pledges might look good on paper, but that his community considered them difficult to fulfil.
“If they can deliver on their promises, that’s great. But I doubt they can because they are the opposition. What can they really do? Talk is cheap.
“Even the state government is incapable of fulfilling these promises and is dragging its feet on the land gazettements,” he said.
Meanwhile, retiree Nasrin Hashim said his decision would depend more on the candidate than the manifesto.
“I don’t care much about the manifesto, but for me, the candidate must be a Malay-Muslim,” he said.
Food trader Ah Ho, 55, said the contesting parties only bothered showing up during election season and would “disappear” afterwards.
“Anyone can make promises in these manifestos, but they don’t deliver,” he said when met in Kuala Kubu Bharu town.
“Politicians are all the same. They’ll come down to the ground (during elections) and shake hands with the people, but when they win, it’s hard for us to get their help.”
Another voter who asked to be known as Lim said: “I don’t even bother looking at their manifestos because they’re just promises. After they win, nothing changes.”
Fazli Hussin, 33, is determined to vote for a young candidate to ensure continued development in the historical town.
“As for the manifestos, both (from PH and PN) are more or less the same, aiming to strengthen the economy and promote local tourism, but I will choose a young person because they have the energy to get the job done,” he said.
Several residents also voiced hope that the state government would revise the parking fees in Kuala Kubu Baharu, which came into effect earlier this year.
“Residents here are disappointed with the charges. Kuala Kubu Bharu is a rural area, there is no need for parking fees.
“If there must be (such fees), make sure the facilities are improved first. For example, increase the number of road lights,” said M Raju, 62.
Last Saturday, PH candidate Pang Sock Tao unveiled a five-point manifesto focusing on economic activities, facilities, environment and recreation, heritage and culture, and the people’s well-being.
Two days later, PN candidate Khairul Azhari Saut announced his manifesto, which also focused on five core issues: development, the environment, the local economy, women and youth, and minority groups.