NIBONG TEBAL: The act of telling Sungai Bakap voters to translate their protests through the ballot box due to the rising cost of living tarnishes the democratic process, said Fadhlina Sidek.
The PKR Wanita chief said such actions were inappropriate as the process of electing representatives was crucial in voicing the concerns of the people.
"In my view, such propaganda and narrative are very shallow. It is not appropriate to protest because we must understand that the democratic process takes place through the ballot box.
"Moreover, our focus and effort (as the government) are to ensure that all (people's issues) are addressed, and our capabilities and services (as representatives) must reach the people," she said.
The Education Minister said this when met at the Pasar Malam Sungai Duri last night, where she met traders together with the Pakatan Harapan candidate for Sungai Bakap, Dr Joohari Ariffin.
Fadhlina was commenting on the opposition using the narrative of asking voters to make the by-election a referendum to express their dissatisfaction with the unity government.
Explaining further, she urged Sungai Bakap voters not to be swayed by the narrative of the opposition.
"We need to give our full support in electing a representative that can really work for the people and bring their voices," she added.
The Sungai Bakap by-election sees a straight fight between Joohari and Perikatan Nasional's Abidin Ismail.
Abidin recently said the polls for the Penang state seat on July 6 would be a referendum towards the government, to reject the narrative that the people had accepted the unity government.
He said there were various national issues that burdened the people including the cost of living, and also told voters that they should cast their votes for the opposition as a sign of protest.
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Pix by Nur Izzati Mohamad