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KEPALA BATAS – Barisan Nasional’s (BN) incumbent here Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican has taken a page from former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s “work with me, not for me” mantra.
Reezal said he plans to emulate Abdullah’s vision of a friendly and stable country, where he can work with anyone regardless of their differences.
Abdullah, popularly known as Pak Lah, held the semi-urban seat between 1978 and 2013, and as a symbolic gesture, accompanied Reezal to the nomination centre when Pak Lah stepped down.
“I will never forget Pak Lah’s gesture. He has a kind of leadership that is very much Malaysian and likeable. We crave stability and unity.”
In realising Pak Lah’s vision of Kepala Batas, Reezal said he will ensure that the district can reap the benefits of an intelligent modern township.
He also promised that much of the affordable housing here will be subsidised so every family has proper accommodations.
With this in mind, Reezal said, he is running a friendly campaign that does not disparage other candidates while trying to woo young voters.
In this election, Reezal will face Muda’s Danial Abdul Majeed, Perikatan Nasional’s Siti Mastura Muhammad, and Gerakan Tanah Air’s Hamidi Abu Hassan.
Reezal said the additional young voters will play an important role in determining the outcome of the election.
“All voters are important, but I feel young voters may make a difference, as those aged 18 to 20 are voting for the first time. The critical voters are those aged between 18 and 25, as this group can decide who will win GE15, including in Kepala Batas,” he told reporters yesterday.
He has been hosting esports activities and sporting events to woo the youth.
In the 2018 general election, Reezal won the seat with a 4,736-vote majority, beating PH’s Zaidi Zakaria and PAS’ Siti Mastura Muhammad. – The Vibes, November 15, 2022