BINTULU: A micro approach on the campaign trail is helping Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate Iskandar Turkee get close and personal with voters in the Jepak constituency.
Seven days into the campaign for Nov 4 election, he has been gaining ground by putting time aside for tete-a-tetes with the people, giving them the opportunity to hear from him directly and also to have government policies explained to them with clarity.
“This candidate is new but he is well-known in the Jepak area, so our approach is for him to introduce himself, his hopes, and so on,” said Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
He was speaking to reporters during a “Sembang Warung” programme at Sri Kandi Cafe here on Friday night (Oct 27).
Abdullah said it had also emerged that some of the locals in the constituency are still unclear about certain government policies and agendas.
“They want to know about the digital economy, green technology, hydrogen, and so on.
“So, during these seven days, there have been many small meetings to address all these doubts and questions,” he added.
The micro approach has also helped GPS keep a lid on the spread of fake news, inaccurate information, provocations and incitements, all of which can negatively affect its campaign if left unchecked.
In a related development, Abdullah lamented that the younger generation appeared to be less interested in politics because it is often associated with controversy and integrity issues.
Saying he does not blame them for this perception he conceded that some politicians are indeed not honest and sincere.
“However, if the young genuinely care about the country’s direction and well-being, its vision, and its mission, I encourage them to learn a little about politics.
“If good people don’t get involved in politics, then bad people might take charge, and that could lead to corrupt leaders governing the people.
“And of course, society will suffer. In the current situation, it’s crucial that the government functions, political leadership works, the country’s economy is restored, and the welfare of the people is prioritised,” he stressed.
Also present during the programme was the Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, Iskandar.
