Grassroots hopefuls bank on local issues in Negeri Sembilan election
PETALING JAYA: As the Negeri Sembilan state election enters full campaign mode, grassrootsoriented candidates are hoping to prove that grassroots issues and local representation can resonate with voters despite the dominance of larger political parties.
PSM Rahang candidate Tinagaran Subramaniam, better known as “Cikgu Tina”, is banking on a peoplefirst campaign centred on workers’ rights, social welfare and everyday concerns to persuade voters to look beyond mainstream political coalitions.
READ MORE: PSM keeps labour, inequality issues in national spotlight despite poor poll results
READ MORE: Anwar calls on ATM, PDRM personnel to support PH candidate
Tinagaran said his manifesto is shaped by feedback from residents and prioritises tackling flash floods, improving welfare for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, strengthening workers’ rights, enhancing local government accountability and improving public transport.
“I want to be the voice of workers, the elderly, youths and ordinary residents who often feel neglected. “Rahang’s development should benefit everyone, not just a select few,“ he told theSun.
The 48-year-old tuition teacher holds an MBA and serves as Negeri Sembilan PSM secretary and an industrial relations officer.
A long-time labour activist, he has represented workers in disputes involving government contract employees and plantation workers. Tinagaran also pledged to steer clear of racial politics throughout the campaign.
“I will not play up racial issues to gain votes or support. Our struggle is based on the needs of ordinary people, regardless of race or skin colour.”
If elected, he said he would also push for an Equality Act to combat discrimination and ensure equal treatment for all Malaysians.
Tinagaran is PSM’s sole candidate contesting in Negeri Sembilan. Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan’s only Orang Asli candidate, Dayana Dal, who is contesting the Jeram Padang seat under Parti Orang Asli Malaysia (Parti Asli), said she hopes to be a representative for all communities, not just the Orang Asli.
The 40-year-old Semelai, who was born and raised in Kampung Orang Asli Jeram Padang, said she accepted the party’s decision to field her after receiving encouragement from her family and relatives.
“As a local Orang Asli from Jeram Padang, if I am given the mandate by the voters to win the Jeram Padang state seat, I will do my very best to serve everyone, not only the Orang Asli community,“ she said.
Dayana, who was previously a member of PKR and Umno before joining Parti Asli, said the constituency’s diverse electorate comprises Malays, Chinese, Indians and Orang Asli, many of whom earn their living as salaried employees, business owners, farmers, rubber tappers and traders of fruits and other agricultural produce.
She said one of the most pressing concerns raised by the Orang Asli community was the lack of access to clean water, forcing some residents to depend on polluted river water and rainwater for their daily needs.
“Complaints have been made by community leaders, but little action has been been taken.“
A housewife, Dayana said she keeps herself informed on issues affecting the constituency and regularly takes part in community programmes and activities.
“In any election, winning or losing is part and parcel of the democratic process. I am committed to working hard to earn the support of all communities in the constituency.
