The Malaysian Insight

NEWS that Najib Razak was ordered to enter his defence on charges in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case has not gone unnoticed in Tg Piai which goes to the polls on Saturday.

And while there was little surprise that the former prime minister would have to defend the charges, Tg Piai voters told The Malaysian Insight they had already made up their minds.

“Najib’s case doesn’t change my decision,” said 46-year-old trader Hereel Mahmood.

“Everyone makes mistakes and he’s not even found guilty yet. I’m more concerned about the economy because as a trader, I feel the effects of a slower economy,” said the Barisan Nasional supporter in Pontian town.

Similarly, Yaw Chan Lam, 52, told The Malaysian Insight that yesterday’s court decision would not change his mind about who to vote for on Saturday.

“I have already made up my mind although I can’t tell you who I am going to vote for. I can only say that whoever made mistakes must also accept the punishment,” said the oil palm planter in Pekan Nanas.

Najib was ordered to enter his defence in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case involving RM42 million yesterday.

The former Umno president was slapped with seven charges involving criminal breach of trust, money-laundering and abuse of power. He will begin his defence on December 3.

Another planter Phee Kway Huat said he already knows who he is voting for and the Najib case would not change anything.

And while some had made up their minds on who to vote for, Phang Ah Huat, 65, hinted that he would not be voting for BN’s MCA candidate Wee Jeck Seng.

“I will only support good people to be lawmakers. I don’t want anyone who was with the thief. And I support the government,” he added.

Hon Lan Ying, 59, said this what she had been hoping for although it won’t affect her much.

“We want him (Najib) to answer for the problems he made but as for voting, I already know who I want. Najib won’t affect my decision,” said Hon.

A BN campaigner Sheikh Hanis Sheikh Salahuddin said yesterday’s court decision has given Najib a chance to vindicate himself.

“I don’t think the decision is a problem. This is Najib’s opportunity to explain everything.

“Nobody has raised the Najib issue during BN’s campaign,” he said.

Sheikh Hanis said the voters are more concerned about the lower cash handouts under Pakatan Harapan’s Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) than Najib’s case.

“Some complained that they were getting less while others said they are not receiving anything now. That’s a bigger issue for them.”

A survey by Institut Darul Ehsan of Tg Piai voters revealed that 83% will likely vote for the same parties they voted for in the last elections. Among those who said they would vote for the same parties, 58% of them are Malays while 41% were Chinese.

Another 69% said they had already decided even before the nomination day.

The Tg Piai seat fell vacant after the death of its MP Dr Md Farid Md Rafik from complications following a heart attack.

Six candidates are vying the seat – Karmaine Sardini (PH), Wee (BN), Wendy Subramaniam (Gerakan), Dr Badhrulhisham Abdul Aziz (Berjasa) and independents Faridah Aryani Abd Ghani and Dr Ang Chuan Lock.

Meanwhile, Umno vice-president Mohamad Hasan said the court verdict yesterday won’t affect support for BN in Tg Piai.

“I believe and am convinced voters in Tg Piai have made up their minds who they want before nomination day. If there is any change of decision, it’s maybe between 2% and 3%,” he said in a rally to canvass for votes at Kg Timor Laut last night.

Mohamad said BN lost GE14 because of tH’s lies and false promises.

“The people were duped into believing the promises made. Who does not want toll-free roads, lower fuel prices and not to repay their PTPTN loans?”

Mohamad also said BN did not defend any party leader from accusations of corruption when he or she was in the government.

“BN does not defend anyone. (Former Selangor menteri besar) Haron Idris were among some of the Umno leaders charged and jailed (over corruption charges). It was the same for Khir Toyo.

“All Umno leaders, when they were charged and found guilty by the court, will have to resign from their post. So, it cannot be claimed that we lost because of corruption.”

On Najib’s case, Mohamad said he sees it as an opportunity for the former Umno president to state his case and clear his name. – November 12, 2019.