PETALING JAYA — Bandar Utama incumbent Jamaliah Jamaluddin may face a stiff challenge for the constituency as she has been put in a three-cornered fight with candidates from Muda and Perikatan Nasional.
Although the DAP politician won the seat with a comfortable majority in 2018, the inclusion of the youth-based party’s Abe Lim Hooi Sean and Gerakan’s Nur Aliff Mohd Tafid in the race could change the dynamics of the local support base.
Gerakan’s Selangor election director, Datuk Asharuddin Ahmad, said Nur Aliff could offer fresh perspectives on the ongoing issues faced by constituents in Bandar Utama.
“There are issues such as traffic jams and floods, and Perikatan Nasional could have better plans in mitigating these issues,” Asharuddin said when met outside the nomination centre, here, this morning.
Meanwhile, 28-year-old voter Mark Chuah – who works in the sales industry – rendered his support for Muda, based on the party’s “progressive” mindset.
“Muda’s ideas resonate with us, the younger generation. Muda represents change, and we are ready to rally behind the party to bring about real progress in Bandar Utama.”
However, although the Muda and PN had only a few supporters who showed up for nomination day, the seat’s incumbent Jamaliah loyal backers came out in full force this morning, suggesting her upper hand in the contest.
Business owner, James Mark, said he has been a long-time supporter of Jamilah, adding that she had a good track record in serving the constituency.
“Jamaliah has always proven herself time and again. Her dedication to our community is unwavering,” he said.
James also praised Jamaliah’s initiatives in mitigating and solving the long-standing flood issues in Kampung Cempaka.
“The worst (case of) flooding happened in 2018 and 2020 where the floodwaters rose to the neck level of residents in Kampung Cempaka,”
“I will never forget her commitment and dedication in bringing this issue to the state assembly, and ensuring that the Selangor government allocated a budget for upgrades (to the area), ending a decade-old issue.”
“She was always there for us and I trust her to continue advocating for our interests.”
Jamaliah previously won with a staggering majority of 34,679 votes in the 2018 state elections.
The nomination centre at Bandar Utama 11 community hall also saw other candidates from the PH and PN submitting their nominations for the Bukit Lanjan and Kampung Tuanku constituencies.
PKR’s Phua Pei Lei will face Gerakan’s Muniraa Abu Bakar in Bukit Lanjan, while DAP’s Lim Yi Wei is slated to face Bersatu’s Chin Yoke Kheng for Kampung Tunku seat. – July 29, 2023