PAS’ Kumutha ready to slug it out for the third time
JOHOR BARU: R. Kumutha, PAS’ sole non-Malay candidate in Johor, is hoping it will be a case of third time lucky in her bid to become an assemblyman.
The 39-year-old legal officer contested and lost in the Tiram state seat in 2008 and 2013, also under the PAS banner.
“In 2013, I did quite well in the urban areas, but it was the Felda areas where I fared badly,” she said.
It is speculated that the Johor PAS leadership this time may move her to the Johor Jaya state seat, which has a sizable Chinese population of about 46%, followed by 45% Malays and 8% Indians.
Kumutha, a Hindu, hopes voters will not blindly choose a candidate just because of their race, religion or political party.
“Malaysia is a multiracial country and if I am elected, I will serve everyone equally. That is how all politicians should be.
“Former US president Barack Obama, despite being a minority, performed well for his country.
“I urge people to vote based on the capability of a candidate and whether they can make a difference for the people,” said Kumutha, who is also National PAS Supporters Assembly women’s wing chief.
She added that her background in law would be a great asset in helping the state and its people, especially in legal matters.
She is well aware that she will be an underdog as she expects a three-cornered fight with PKR and Barisan.
“I know it will be tough, but it was always that way for me in the past.
“I will do my best and let the voters decide whether they want me to be their assemblyman,” she said. Kumutha making a point at last year’s Himpunan Muslimat Muda 5K at Shah Alam.