It’s a slippery slope to vote here
Candidates float safety concerns of polling stations on flood-prone fields
Both incumbent Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil from Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Ramlan Askolani have questioned the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to place two polling stations for GE15 on damaged flood-prone football fields in the constituency.
Ramlan questioned using the fields in Kampung Kerinchi and Kampung Pasir.
The Lembah Pantai Umno chief had earlier said he would repair the fields in Kampung Kerinchi and Kampung Pasir if he wins.
“Yes, I know there are safety concerns, and I did highlight the matter. But I was told that they (EC) were going to place platforms from the road right to the polling booth so that people can walk,” Ramlan said.
According to him, the EC said it needed the space as there was an increase of 10,000 voters in the area that they needed to accommodate.
Meanwhile, in urging voters to come out and vote on Nov 19, Fahmi advised them to be prepared if it rains.
“I am baffled why they chose the fields when it is flood-prone and will hamper people’s movements during the voting process.
“The residents have highlighted the matter to the authorities, but they did not take it into consideration,’’ he said.
There will be a four-way tussle in Lembah Pantai, with Fahmi facing newbies Ramlan and Pejuang’s Dr Noor Asmah Razali.
PAS candidate Fauzi Abu Bakar, who is running under the Perikatan Nasional ticket, is contesting a second time.
This is also Fahmi’s second general election.