THE general election is coming. What should the selection of candidates be based on?
I am sure Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan are screening for the right candidates to contest in the 14th General Election.
Important criteria that they should look for in a candidate is a likeable personality and potential to contribute to the nation.
However, it is subjective to talk about a likeable candidate. A likeable candidate may have a good personality with millions of followers on social media or he may be an ordinary person, but he should always be with the people and listen to their wants.
For instance, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is a likeable candidate, especially in his constituency, Rantau.
Since his appointment in 2003, he has proved that “politics without service is like smiling with no sincerity”.
I agree with how most people view his leadership: “Tok Mat is a leader who focuses on developing the state by realising what the people want.”
Due to his long-serving experience in the corporate world, Hasan has what it takes to grow a state economically.
In fact, his leadership led Negri Sembilan to become one of the top states in terms of contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product.
Another example is Sungai Besar member of parliament Budiman Mohd Zohdi. His commitment in spending time with the people proves that Sungai Besar voters chose the right candidate.
After releasing his novel Sejuta Jiwa Yang Telanjang, I asked whether he would become a columnist for a local newspaper to communicate his thoughts to voters. His reply was, “I will only focus on kawasan, bro”. What he said shows that he is a people’s man, who would always be with the people.
Based on these two examples, I believe that to be a likeable candidate, you need to “walk the talk” by delivering to the people.
Being a prominent leader or politician is not enough. You need to prove that you can give back to the people, who have put their trust in you.
For current elected leaders, your contributions say a lot for your presence. For potential candidates, who want to win in the election, bear in mind that in order to be liked or a favourite, you need to sincerely show that you can contribute to the betterment of the people.
Amerul Azry Abdul Aziz, Rembau, Negri Sembilan