TELUK INTAN, May 5 — While a three-cornered fight is confirmed for the parliamentary seat here, voters said the race is only between Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Seri Mah Siew Kong and Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming.
Voters interviewed by Malay Mail did not have much to say about the third candidate PAS's Dr Ahmad Ramadzan.
Restauranteur Syed Azman Syed Ahmad said Mah has fulfilled all the promises he made during the 2014 by-election.
"He promised to build low-cost housing and a new campus for Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris... which he had fulfilled. He even helped to build flood mitigation projects to counter the flood problem here," he said.
Syed Azman said Mah would surely stand a better chance against his opponents for what he has done.
"Mah has also changed his attitude. He lost in 2008 and 2013 as he was too proud to come and meet the voters. Since the 2014 by-election, he is now more down to earth," the 48-year-old Changkat Jong voter said.
He also added that the Malay voters here have yet to warm up to Nga, who is known for his fiery speeches.
He did not have much to say about PAS candidate Dr Ahmad.
Tailor Roslina Tajuddin said she supports Mah as he is a representative that works for the people.
"He helped the locals a lot. Sometimes when he is not in his office, his assistants are around to render assistance," she said.
The 51-year-old said it would be better to vote for someone who can help the people than someone who can't.
"For example, a few months back I had trouble paying my electricity bill and Mah helped me by settling the bill," added Roslina.
She said she was not aware there was a third candidate PAS’s Dr Ahmad.
A newspaper vendor, who declined to be named, said no doubt Mah has done a good job as a MP.
"But our life is very hard now. The Goods and Services Tax is killing us," he said.
A tailor, who identified himself as Teoh, said he was caught in a bind on who to vote for.
"I cannot decide on who to support. Mah is a good man as he has done a lot for Teluk Intan people but we need someone who can speak up on national issues in Parliament.
"I will decide on who to vote for on May 9," he said.
Insurance agent S.L. Chan also agreed Mah did a good job for Teluk Intan.
"But times are really bad now. Many people are jobless. Barisan Nasional has been in control for more than 60 years and what have they achieved?" she asked.
She said Pakatan Harapan speaks the language of hope.
"I do not see hope in Barisan Nasional," said the 50-year-old mother of two.
Cashier G. Narmtha said her vote goes for Pakatan Harapan.
"I support them as they have promised to abolish GST," said the 26-year-old, who is a first-time voter.
She agreed Mah is a good man but life is tough in Teluk Intan.
Asked if any of the candidates came to canvass for votes, Narmtha said Mah visited her house at Batu 3 two weeks ago.
"He gave us a pillow but we threw it away," she said.
Local resident Chew Hoong Ling said this election would be a close one.
"The sentiment of wanting to change the federal government is still there. Locals liked Mah but national issues such as GST are drawing support away from Barisan," said the 38-year-old.
