Melaka Polls: ‘Let the country grow rich, not elected reps’, says Saifuddin
He said the Madani Government's philosophy of governance was rooted in the principle that the country's wealth should be channelled back to all segments of society.
SINAR DAILY REPORTER
MELAKA – Elected representatives entrusted with the people's mandate must prioritise public welfare rather than use their positions to accumulate personal wealth, says Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Bernama quoted him saying that the Madani Government's philosophy of governance was rooted in the principle that the country's wealth should be channelled back to all segments of society.
Saifuddin said the purpose of electing representatives was to ensure local issues were raised and addressed effectively through fair economic distribution.
“Elected representatives are not there to enrich themselves. Our country is wealthy, yes. Elected representatives work for the people. Let the country become wealthier so it can provide for and safeguard the welfare of all segments of society. That is why we elect our representatives.
“Let the country be rich, not elected representatives or ministers. That wealth should be used to look after the welfare of the sick, persons with disabilities, those in need, fishermen, small traders, rubber tappers, paddy farmers and senior citizens,” he said.
He was speaking at a PH campaign gathering to introduce the coalition's candidate for the Kelebang state constituency, Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir, at the PH Kelebang main operations room here on Monday (Nov 9) night.
Saifuddin, who is also Home Minister, urged voters to give Farzana their mandate, describing her as a candidate with distinctive strengths to represent the interests of local residents.
He said the 26-year-old candidate's experience serving at the Prime Minister's Office, coupled with her ability to speak Mandarin, would help her engage with the multiracial community and address residents' infrastructure concerns more effectively.
“We focus on why we elect representatives – to help resolve people's problems. They act as a link to leaders who can help address those problems. That is how we approach this campaign,” he said.
Farzana is facing a four-cornered contest in Kelebang against incumbent Datuk Lim Ban Hong of Barisan Nasional (BN), Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and Young Jie Yu of Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama).
The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, while early voting is scheduled for today, Nov 10.
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!
