KOTA RAJA, May 7 — Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Mohamad Sabu’s chances of winning the Kota Raja parliamentary seat seem unaffected, even after an expose of his alleged extramarital affair just a few days ago.

Voters who were polled by the Malay Mail said that they are unconcerned with the private lives of their MP, as long as he or she pushes for more pragmatic policies like addressing the rise of living costs.

They also asked to see more of their elected representative hopefuls, in the area.

"That is not important la,” voter Ben Dandi, 53 said when met.

"Those scandals and all. During this time there will be a lot,” the father of three said, adding that he is also more concerned with the policies his prospective candidate would bring to parliament, rather than their issues regarding their personal lives, or even Mohamad’s candidacy.

D. Ramu, a taxi driver of 15 year, was elated when he found out about Mohamad’s nomination to contest for the seat. Like Ben, he too wants more from his elected lawmaker, and is willing to look past allegations of extramarital scandals.

"Well if he is having an extramarital affair, that is his personal matter. We are not going to get involved in all that.

"Will he serve his constituents well? That is important. He must work for the Kota Raja electorates.

"His personal matter is not of our concern. To hell with that,” Ramu added.

Ramu however felt that he needed time to evaluate Mohamad, a parachute candidate in the parliamentary seat- previously under Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud, who is now contesting for the Seri Serdang state seat.

Two days ago, a person calling himself Rizal Bakar from the Kuala Kedah Amanah division held a news conference at a hotel here where he showed screenshots of WhatsApp messages purportedly between a senior Amanah leader and a woman whose image was partly obscured.

He claimed the images were left on his car windscreen less than a week ago.

The alleger further claimed to have recordings of two phone calls between the two, but did not disclose how they came into his possession.

Barisan National candidate for P111 Kota Raja, V Gunalan speaks to media during a press conference in the Kota Raja BN command centre May 1,2018. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

Mat Sabu will be contesting against Barisan Nasional’s (BN) V. Gunalan and PAS’ Mohamed Diah Baharun.

Despite him being a fresh-faced contender in the area, his popularity has seemingly superseded him, owing to his comedian-like oratory skills.

However, from the 10 people interviewed, almost all wanted to see Mat Sabu’s presence in the area more.

They are also keen in knowing about the Opposition’s efforts to reduce living costs, notably the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

"The government said there were 600 items which are GST-exempt didn’t they? Ask them to list it out properly.

"Today even ikan bilis is so costly. One look at the price and we just sigh.

"Come to the ground and be with the rakyat. That is what we want,” R. Ravi, 49, a personal chauffeur told Malay Mail.

"We vote for you, and you get salaried by us, not for you to live lavishly, but for us to live a good life,” he added.

Gadgets trader Nardi Sukarno, 38, also echoed the same sentiment.

He said that while he would feel uncomfortable to have an elected representative who’s smeared with such allegations, he too is willing to overlook it for his and his family’s future.

"Well if that’s the thing, it’s not important. We want the quality of service. That’s what we want.

"Please regularly come and see us, the rakyat. Sometimes people don’t know, until they come and introduce themselves.

"Before the election, come and see us,” Nardi added.

Lee Ah Kow, a 69-year-old hawker said that he would also like to see more of Mat Sabu, as he has yet to see the politician.

"He is from where? I have not met him,” Lee said when approached, citing his gruelling hours manning his stall and caring for his sick wife, for not being able to catch up on the developments in his constituency.

Lee however, is decisive on who to choose, come May 9.

"I don’t care about that (affairs). I only know what symbol I need to cross in the ballot paper,” he added.