MUAR – Muda's Simpang Jeram candidate Ainie Haziqah Shafii unveiled a five-point election manifesto centred on easing cost-of-living pressures, strengthening infrastructure, empowering women and youth, expanding access to free legal services and championing constituents' voices in the Johor State Legislative Assembly.
Branded as "Lima Tekad Aini" (Aini's Five Pledges), the manifesto was officially launched on July 2 as the party's roadmap for addressing issues affecting residents of the constituency, particularly young families.
Speaking in an interview with Sinar, Ainie said the five resolutions reflected the concerns she had consistently heard from voters throughout her campaign.
"On July 2, I launched five pledges for the Simpang Jeram state constituency. These are the five things that I want to implement, namely the economy, infrastructure, women and youth, free legal advice and legal services, as well as legislative matters," she said.
"In the economic framework, I included matters related to the cost of living, which pressures many young people and families in this area. Besides that, I also emphasised housing issues and education," she said.
She said these issues were closely intertwined, particularly for younger residents who are starting families while navigating higher living costs and limited access to affordable housing.
Education also forms a key component of her manifesto, with initiatives specifically designed to support children and young parents in the constituency.
Ainie said she intends to introduce Tuisyen Anak Simpang Jeram, a community-based tuition programme aimed at helping schoolchildren while easing the financial burden on parents.
"Regarding education, I want to focus on young families and new families in this area. There are many young people here with small children. I want to launch Tuisyen Anak Simpang Jeram," she said.
Beyond academic support, she said greater attention must be given to childcare welfare and the safety of children attending nurseries, kindergartens and schools.
"I also want to be a voice for mothers regarding anything related to the welfare of young families," she said.
Questioning whether sufficient safeguards currently exist, Ainie said child protection policies remain inadequate despite growing public concern.
"Are our children truly safe when they are sent to nurseries, kindergartens and schools? That is the most important question. Until today, there are still no safeguarding or protection policies for these children. I feel this concern is not trivial; it is a very large anxiety for young families," she said.
Another pillar of the manifesto focuses on infrastructure development to improve public facilities and enhance the quality of life for residents across Simpang Jeram.
While she did not outline individual projects during the interview, Ainie said improving infrastructure remains one of the key commitments under her five-point agenda.
As the only female candidate contesting the seat, Ainie also pledged to amplify the voices of women while harnessing the ideas and energy of younger voters.
She said greater youth participation and stronger female representation are essential to ensuring policies reflect the needs of the constituency's changing demographics.
The fourth pledge proposes expanding access to free legal advice and legal services, with the aim of making legal assistance more accessible to residents who may otherwise struggle to obtain professional support.
Her final pledge centres on legislative advocacy, where she said the role of an elected representative extends beyond political alignment and should prioritise speaking up for constituents.
"The most important thing is to choose an assemblyman who is brave enough to speak out. Don't just ask whether they are in the government or the opposition.
"I am very confident that no matter which seat I am in, once I receive the mandate as the assemblyman for Simpang Jeram, I can be the loudest voice," she said.
Ainie said the effectiveness of an elected representative should be measured by their willingness to advocate for local concerns and push for policy changes that benefit residents.
Through Lima Tekad Aini, she said her campaign seeks to address immediate community needs while laying the groundwork for longer-term improvements in economic wellbeing, public services, education and governance for the people of Simpang Jeram.