Mohd Shahar: Felda settlers to decide who Paya Besar MP will be

KUANTAN: Felda settlers will play a huge role in determining the next MP of Paya Besar, says Pahang Umno Youth chief Mohd Shahar Abdullah.

About 47% of the 55,135 voters there were settlers who should be taken seriously if Barisan wanted to retain the seat, added the Barisan Nasional candidate for Paya Besar.

Mohd Shahar, 38, said that as a second-generation settler, born and raised in Felda Sungai Panching Selatan, he knew their needs well.

“The Government has done a lot for them, including me. So the settlers here have a responsibility to return the favour in terms of votes.

“I hope they will not be taken in by such ceramah talk,” he said when met here.

On the other hand, his Pakatan Harapan opponent, Mohd Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir, believes the Internet-savvy age group will tip the balance.

Mohd Ashraf said 60% of voters in the constituency were below 40 and exposed to online news.

“Most of the voters are part of the Internet age and want to see a change,” said Mohd Ashraf.

The 32-year-old Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Youth wing exco member is convinced the golden generation in the area is also leaning towards Pakatan.

He said he saw this during visits by Pakatan chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Pribumi president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“When they visited Umno strongholds, many seniors came to see them,” he said.

Mohd Ashraf and Mohd Shahar are also facing Mohamad Azhar Mohd Noor of PAS.