SULAIMAN UNFAZED BY BIG CANDIDATES
Independent says this way, it’s easier to speak to people
INDEPENDENT candidate Sulaiman Abdul Samat may not have a large crowd of supporters following him on his campaign trail, but his friendly and easy-going manner is more than enough to get his manifesto message across.
With a welcoming smile, Sandakan-born Sulaiman, 36, approached customers in Chinese coffee shops during his walkabout here yesterday.
“I am running for the Sandakan parliamentary seat. Please take time to read my manifesto,” he said as he handed out copies of his four-point manifesto. With him were three young men, who distributed a small piece of paper.
The former assistant administrator of the Sandakan DAP parliament service centre also greeted residents at the Sri Taman flats, where he explained his manifesto.
“Unlike other big candidates, I prefer to meet people without having many followers. This way, it’s easier to speak to people and ask about their complaints. I can focus on delivering my message,” he told the New Straits Times.
“That’s my mission. People are uneasy when you approach them in a large crowd. They will not tell you the real problems because they are afraid to speak. I know this because I was once part of the large followers.”
His engagement with Sri Taman residents was his third walkabout. He will once again meet Kampung Sim-Sim villagers, whom DAP candidate Vivian Wong Shir Yee had met earlier with supporters from Parti Amanah Negara.
Sulaiman said he had gone to the water village, adding that not many villagers came out as it was a Sunday.
“I feel the need to meet with them again. I know Kampung Sim-Sim has cleanliness problems and many villagers have complained about not getting the assistance they need to repair houses.
“These are some of the areas I will fight for the people. My manifesto also focuses on restructuring Sandakan administration and Islamic development.”
Ahmad @Awang Omar, 67, from Jambatan 20 of the water village, said his family had been requesting help to fix their wooden house built on stilt as many parts of the walls were damaged due to termites.
“We have yet to get help. But some houses that did not require fixing were fixed.
“I hope whoever becomes (Sandakan) MP will listen to our needs. I don’t care which party they represent as long as the people’s welfare is taken care of,” he said.
Suhardi Latipu, 36, said the village lacked lights in the Jambatan 20 walkway, while stressing the need to tackle the rubbish problem.
“I want to see Pasar Ikan Bakar Sim-Sim expanded with more parking spaces because it is a tourist stop.”
Situated just a few metres from Jambatan 20, water villagers, including Suhardi’s family, operate grilled fish stalls at Pasak Ikan Bakar Sim-Sim. Many visitors and tourists stop at the market to have grilled fish.