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Cost of living top of the list for Tambun townsfolk

They say that all they want is a government that will make things better for the people.

Nur Hasliza Mohd Salleh
3 minute read
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Residents in Tambun say they are concerned about the rising cost of living and their ability to provide for their families.
Residents in Tambun say they are concerned about the rising cost of living and their ability to provide for their families.

Just outside the main town of Tambun in Perak, two elderly friends man a small stall selling firecrackers and fireworks at the side of the road. 

For years, Thana and Seng have run their little business, supplying the townsfolk with firecrackers at every festive season. 

Now in their 60s, they are candid about their reason for doing such work at their age. 

"I need to work to support my family," Thana said when met by MalaysiaNow. "The cost of living is just too high." 

Seng agreed. "Even with a salary of more than RM3,000, it's hard to get by in Tambun," he said. 

"In Kuala Lumpur, it would be worse. How would we eat? Things like flour and eggs are more expensive now. 

"I'm 60 years old and still working more than 12 hours every day. If we don't work, we can't eat." 

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For years, Thana has earned a living selling firecrackers at a small roadside stall with his friend, Seng. 

Throughout the town, sentiments are much the same, with talk of politics low on the list of priorities even as the 15th general election (GE15) looms around the corner. 

Pakatan Harapan (PH) leader Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the coalition's candidate for prime minister, is contesting the Tambun parliamentary seat. 

He will clash with the incumbent, Ahmad Faizal Azumu of Perikatan Nasional (PN), Tambun Umno division chief Aminuddin Md Hanafiah representing Barisan Nasional (BN), and Abdul Rahim Tahir of Pejuang.

But even with the prospect of a four-way fight ahead, the townsfolk of Tambun appear indifferent to political affairs. 

All they want is a government that can guarantee them a better life and alleviate some of their financial pressure, they say. 

For Seng, whoever ends up in Putrajaya must also think about fixed costs such as housing payments, utilities bills and insurance – the main contributors to the monthly expenses of most working people. 

"It doesn't matter who wins, these must be resolved," he said. 

"We want a government that can make things better for the people." 

A young woman who introduced herself as Zuleha meanwhile said she had just begun working after graduating from university. 

Speaking to MalaysiaNow, she said she was not familiar with the ins and outs of politics. 

"But I have my own benchmarks for the candidates who will be contesting the election," she said. 

For her, background is an important indicator, whether religious or family, as well as the candidate's track record in serving the people. 

Even if a candidate is a Malay-Muslim, she said, if he or she makes decisions that are not in line with her criteria, that person might be rejected. 

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Fresh out of university, Zuleha says she has her own benchmark for the candidates in this year's polls. 

Political analyst Ahmad Atory Hussain said the positions of the three candidates from PH, BN and PN could already be predicted through surveys conducted online. 

Atory, of Universiti Sains Malaysia, also said Anwar's decision to run in Tambun was a safe move given that Malays form the majority of constituents there at 60%. 

"He can predict victory as the Malay vote in Tambun will be split three ways as it was in GE14," he said. 

Nevertheless, he cautioned that victory was not yet certain for Anwar as PAS, Bersatu and Gerakan Tanah Air would be against BN and PH. 

Back at their stall, Thana and Seng are still preoccupied with the cost of living and how to continue putting food on the table for their families. 

Nevertheless, they see no reason why they should not go out to vote on Nov 19. 

"Of course we will still vote," they said. "Otherwise, we are the ones who will lose out."