KAJANG, March 14. Tumpang lalu, much like “excuse me”, is what Malaysians would say if they wish to walk past people or through a crowd. In the impending Kajang by-election, it will be Umno Youth’s campaign theme.
At present, it seems to be the best way in which the youth movement can win the hearts and minds of the 39,965 voters in the constituency.
This by-election is no ordinary election where ideologies are marketed to voters and presentation of track records are highlighted for their perusals.
Called the “Kajang move”’ by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the by-election is nothing more than his plan to get elected to enable him to become Selangor menteri besar.
With that background, Umno Youth seems to be on the right track of the campaign trail because going head-on against the Opposition would not do any good. Anwar’s hardcore supporters would not change their minds and those on the fence would not go for an aggressive BN.
Campaigning, which officially began on Tuesday, saw an aggressive Anwar and opposition leaders talking to voters about daily issues affecting them.
Locking horns on such issues would only benefit the Opposition as their speakers and leaders possess superior oratorial skills.
Thus, Umno Youth’s campaign line is considered most appropriate as “please, allow me to pass through” is a nice way of saying: “Give me a minute to fill your mind”, instead of confronting the Opposition in an open verbal confrontation without any end.
Yesterday saw the movement head Khairy Jamaluddin perform Isya’ prayers at Taman Kota Cheras as well as a santai or “relaxing chat” with youths.
Wanita Umno is also embarking on the kasih sayang campaign — besides house-to-house canvassing — which the movement is known for.
Yesterday also saw Wanita chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil visiting patients at Taman Sekamat, then at Batu 12, and handicapped people at Taman Koporasi Cuepecs.
As for Anwar, he has practically gone to 90 per cent of the constituency and since he was barred from contesting, he now introduces his wife, PKR president Datin Seri Wan Azizah Ismail, to the voters, re-visiting the places he had covered thus far.
Azizah is a soft-spoken woman whose voice, unlike her husband’s, will be easily drowned on a rally stage. Malay Mail