The Bukit Gelugor By-Election Candidates Speak Up

The candidates in the Bukit Gelugor by-election speak to Edmund Lee and Imran Hilmy to find out how they plan to solve the problems in the constituency if they win and the response of the voters to their campaigning so far.

(CITIZEN TIMES IS ROOTING FOR DATUK HUAN CHENG GUAN)

theSun: If elected, what do you want to do for the people?

Ramkarpal Singh (DAP): Well the first thing is to revive a service centre in Desa Mawar, Air Itam, which I think is necessary although the Air Itam, Seri Delima and Paya Terubong assemblymen have their own centres. I want constituents to have easy access to me.

Datuk Huan Cheng Guan (PCM): I pledge to liaise with federal agencies to bring in more funds to develop Penang, especially the Bukit Gelugor constituency.

Abu Backer Sidek Mohd Zan (Indepedent): I will help solve whatever problems the people face. My priority will be the poor people of all races.

Mohd Nabi Bux Mohd Abd Sathar (Independent): Firstly, I will move here with my family so that I can be closer to the people. I will open my service centre so people can forward their complaints and problems to me.

What are the main issues facing the people in the constituency and how do you intend resolving them if elected?

Ramkarpal: Drainage is an issue in Island Glades, Seri Delima and housing availability in Bandar Baru Air Itam (Farlim). Traffic congestion is another major issue. I will resolve them with the help of the state government, though it cannot be done overnight.

Huan: Traffic congestion and lack of low and medium-cost houses. I will lobby the relevant authorities to resolve these issues.

Abu Backer: Initially I discovered four main issues but from the feedback that I got from the people they have increased to almost 10. I have my own strategy. I do not reveal all the issues regarding the people in the constituency all at one time.

Mohd Nabi: As I have presented in my election manifesto, there are issues that affect the rakyat, especially the Malay and Muslim community.

What improvements do you want to bring about in the constituency?

Ramkarpal: There is room for further development, especially in the Paya Terubong area. I also need to engage youths in good and proper activities besides keeping them abreast of the political situation in the country.

Huan: For this, I am thinking of lobbying for a hospital to be built in the Bukit Gelugor constituency.This hospital is important as it will benefit the people.

Abu Backer: As I said I want the people to be happy and to get what they should get.

Mohd Nabi: I will continue to work on the development agenda in the constituency for all races, especially the Malay-Muslim community.

Since campaigning began, how do you see the response of the voters towards your decision to contest?

Ramkarpal: Very encouraging and positive. Overwhelming is a strong word.

Huan: Wherever I go, the response is quite "warm" and encouraging. My style is easy as I am very friendly. I do not feel any stress in this election as I know I am the underdog.

Abu Backer: Very good. I have been congratulated by them.

Mohd Nabi: The response so far has been good, especially from the Malay community.

The Sun