After the fight, friends...
SHAH ALAM: It’s an election, not a war. We should all remain friends even if we are on opposing sides.
That is the reminder on a banner in Section 19 here. The message to residents to remain friends despite their political ideologies has Shah Alam abuzz.
A picture of the banner set up by two residential organisations – the 19/3 Community Association and the 19/3 Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) – has made its rounds on social media with many commending the message behind it.
Simple as it is, the white-backdrop-banner set up last Friday urged residents to continue greeting one another and avoid hostility.
Words like “Kita Satu Community” and “Ini Negara Democratic” were highlighted in red to further the message.
They also printed Barisan Nasional, PKR and PAS logos, the three that will be on ballot papers, leaving out Parti Amanah Negara, Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and DAP, all of which will be contesting under the PKR logo.
The banner stands out in stark contrast against the flag war that has begun in the quiet but densely populated neighbourhood.
Chairman of the community association Tarmizi Ibrahim said they wanted to ensure the residents of the Section 19/3 flats are able to set aside their differences for the sake of the community.
“We have seen many issues cropping up in other neighbourhoods because of politics. We do not want to see it happen here and decided to send out a friendly reminder,” he added.
Tarmizi said they have not had any problems in their neighbourhood so far but felt it was wise to do something before it was too late, quoting a Malay proverb “Beringat sebelum kena”.
“I was surprised it has gone viral, but for me good things should be shared, so should this message,” he added.
Shah Alam is facing a three-cornered fight this year with Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Harapan and PAS fielding candidates for the Kota Anggerik and Batu Tiga state seats.
Shah Alam has always been coveted by political parties due to its status as Selangor’s capital.