Karim’s chit-chat strategy to woo voters
Casual chatting is Datuk Karim Bujang’s by-election campaign strategy as he goes doorto-door to meet the constituents here.
Jeffry Emeritus, 63, from Kampung Kelatuan, said the Parti Warisan Sabah candidate had chatted with him at the Batu Enam district polling centre, here, yesterday.
“It has been awhile since I met him although I have known him for more than 10 years,” he said.
“Back then, I used to go to his cafe in Kimanis and we normally talked about everything,” he said, adding that they were talking about Karim’s deer-rearing days and trips to firefly areas in Binsulok.
When asked whether the former Bongawan assemblyman mentioned about voting him as Kimanis’ next parliamentarian, Jeffry said he did not but remarked that it was unnecessary as he knew Karim well.
Another villager from Papar, Catherine Anthony, 67, said Karim asked about her family members’ occupation.
“I told him that I make do with limited income... he then encouraged us to start a bird’s nest project in our place.
“As his follower, I believe he should represent us in Parliament as Karim has been helping the people although he is no longer a politician since the 13th General Election.”
Five-term assemblyman Karim, 67, arrived a few hours late for his campaign yesterday, with villagers waiting patiently for him.
“As age is catching up, I get tired easily but (to show people that I can be their voice), I stayed up to meet voters who come to my house until 2am. (Since the campaign began on Jan 4), on average, I would sleep between one and two hours everyday,” Karim said.