Kajang folk feel they’re being manipulated

The Star, Wednesday January 29, 2014 

PETALING JAYA: Kajang folk were upset over PKR’s move to trigger a by-election for their constituency.

 

Resident Chen Chooi Har said Kajang did not need the hassle of a by-election nor did she want Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to contest here. 

“I feel we are being manipulated, just because they want to topple (Tan Sri) Khalid Ibrahim,” said the 37-year-old freelance writer.

Sathyaseelan Tharmalingam said the real losers in this issue were the people of Kajang.

“The councillors in the Kajang Municipal Council are not performing, the council is not looking into our problems, and now the assemblyman has resigned with no satisfactory reason given,” said the Taman Reko Sentral resident.

Ramana Ramakrishnan said Lee Chin Cheh had abused the public’s trust and should have completed his term.

“It would be acceptable if he resigned due to ill health but not for political reasons,” said the 42-year-old programme manager.

Resident Yong Swan Khong of Taman Setia in Sungai Chua, felt that Lee was irresponsible to leave after barely a year in office. 

“He owes it to the people here and we expect him to do something for our community,” added Yong. 

R.K Subra pointed out that Anwar travelled abroad frequently and would not be an effective assemblyman. 

“Is he contesting for the people of Kajang? Does he spend enough time with the people of Permatang Pauh?” asked the 63-year-old senio­r lecturer.

Raj Mani Rao said they wanted an assemblyman who would serve the people rather than their own agenda. He said Kajang was not a rural constituency and they did not take kindly to being used as pawns.

“They are playing a game and treating the public like fools,” said the 42-year-old college lecturer.

One Kajang PKR member described the decision by a select few in the top leadership as con­descending.

“Besides Azmin Ali and Khalid, PKR has 13 other assemblymen in Selangor. Yet they couldn’t find someone else to appoint as Mentri Besar,” he said. 

“Barisan Nasional is sure to field a local candidate and PKR cannot expect a thumping victory.” 

However, Taman Ramal Suria residents association chairman Hafiz Hanafi said the people would stand behind any leader who could do their job well.

“At the end of the day, as residents of Kajang, we want leaders who will be able to represent us and focus on our problems,” he said.