Big boys woo voters

As the clock ticks down to polling day in Tanjung Piai, the top guns are joining in the campaign as the candidates and their parties rush to secure votes. With sentiments on the ground seemingly favouring Barisan Nasional, the Prime Minister has moved in to convince the fence sitters and outstation voters.

PONTIAN: While many outstation voters are still undecided about coming back to cast their votes for the by-election here, 94-yearold Ali Salleh (pic) is eager to make his way to the polling centre on Nov 16.

Ali, who has 14 children and 35 grandchildren, said that nothing would stop him from voting in the by-election here.

“I take every election seriously and I have never missed voting,” he said when met at the Pontian bus terminal here.

According to the Election Commission, he is among 283 voters aged 90 and above.

More than 74% of the voters in the constituency are below 60.

Ali hoped to vote for a candidate who is keen to help the people in the area, especially those who are less privileged.

“I am excited to vote and I hope others will come down to vote too,” said Ali, who lives in Pekan Nanas.

Ali, who has been a taxi driver for more than five decades, said he also hoped that the new Tanjung Piai MP would also be someone who is willing to listen to the woes of the taxi drivers here.

“Although we do not get as many passengers like we used to before, it is still enough to sustain a living.

“With the ferry terminal in Kukup operating fully again, I believe that we will get more passengers after this,” he said.