KUALA KUBU BAHARU: On a slow Sunday morning, behind rows of red and blue flags that line the streets, men and women go about their day at the market in Batang Kali near here.

It seems just like any other weekend, calm and relatively quiet, unlike the usual buzz one would see in election season.

Several kilometres away, Pakatan Harapan held a "kopitiam talk" near Kampung Air Panas, where some by-standers stood and listened intently.

Others, meanwhile, sipped their coffee, and some just rode past on their motorcycles.

Just 10 steps away from the kopitiam was a Perikatan Nasional tent, where its leaders were speaking to the media.

A woman in her 50s took the chance to voice her plight, which was quite personal.

She was still suffering from an injury on her shin and ankle after falling down 30 years ago.

"I received aid quite some time back, but it was too small and not enough. I underwent surgery twice, but my injuries remained. But my main worry is that everything is expensive, it's hard for me to afford things," she said.

In the background, PH candidate Pang Sock Tao, 31, was talking about her plans.

"If I'm given the opportunity, I want to bring development and encourage entrepreneurship, especially for locals," she said.

"I want to fight for more entrepreneurship opportunities for youths and women to stimulate local economic activities. I am confident that if given the chance, I will bring in high-value investments to Kuala Kubu Baharu."

Unlike Pang, Perikatan Nasional's Khairul Azhari Saut's vision, however, remained unknown.

With only five days to go, there was still no sign of his election manifesto. The media is also struggling to cover his campaign, as his interviews are being cancelled abruptly.

One of the few times he spoke was to refute allegations of his involvement with loan sharks.

The visibility of candidates was one of the main issues raised by voters here.

A man who wanted to be known as San said constituents wanted a leader who was able to serve and be present in times of need.

"There is no use electing a representative if he or she does not go to the ground and listen to our grouses."

An Orang Asli woman voiced the same. At an event with Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh in Kampung Buluh Telur, she exclaimed: "When we've voted you in, don't disappear!"

The communities here, be it Malay, Indian, Chinese or the Orang Asli, all want their representative to look into the rising cost of living, education and their livelihood.

Observers had predicted that the outcome would remain status quo, and DAP would continue to be the top choice for voters.

Political analyst Dr Ainul Adzellie Hasnul said it was unlikely for PN to come up with miracles before voting day.

"Based on my observation, PN's ceramah has no substance, and they continue to attack government policies, which is not what the people want to hear.

"They are more concerned about their livelihood. If they (PN) don't change their strategy, I don't think they can produce anything magical to attract voters."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/politics/2024/05/1046716/kkb-election-locals-just-want-visible-rep