Whether this strategy will push the 5,766 Tenang Chinese voters away from PAS is anybody's guess.A random survey by Malaysiakini among Chinese voters revealed that these two issues have little or no effect on them.
They are more bothered about how those they vote for will perform. But, as many of them stressed, a vote for PAS does not equal support for the Islamic party or its reported Islamic state agenda.
They said they had been neglected by their former assemblyperson, Sulaiman Taha, and that he had never served the constituents.
This survey, done yesterday at Bandar Labis Tengah and Tenang Station, showed that almost all those interviewed to be of the view that MCA should not play up the issue of "not shaking hands", since it involved the religion of the candidate.
Asked about the PAS plan to declare Malaysia an Islamic state, some of them conceded that they were afraid of such a happening when it was first brought up in the 1999 general election, but they have since been desensitised, after all these years.
They said they would be powerles
s against Islamic state, since this would be largely decided by the ruling elite and that the people would have no choice but to accept the decision.Some recalled the announcement by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad (right) on Sept 21, 2001, declaring Malaysia an Islamic state, which they believe did not bring much change to the nation.
Others opined that, if and when Malaysia is truly declared an Islamic state, they would not have any problem, as long as it does not affect the Chinese education system, right to food, alcohol and gambling, and if the government continues to treat the Chinese community well.
The MCA's assault against an Islamic state, supposedly planned by PAS, they said, would shore up support from the older voters, but not from the younger generation who hold different views.
The survey also disclosed the voting behaviour of some voters in Tenang.
"Tenang voters have always been backing MCA at parliamentary level (Labis seat) but opposition at state level (Bekok and Tenang), so that we have check-and-balance," said an interviewee.
Chinese voters make up of 38.6 percent of the total Tenang voters.
The survey also disclosed the voting behaviour of some voters in Tenang.
"Tenang voters have always been backing MCA at parliamentary level (Labis seat) but opposition at state level (Bekok and Tenang), so that we have check-and-balance," said an interviewee.
Chinese voters make up of 38.6 percent of the total Tenang voters.
PAS secured more than half of the votes in three main Chinese-predominated polling districts - Bandar Labis Timur, Bandar Labis Tengah and Labis - in the last general election.
What some voters say
Tay Lai Seng, 41, timber trader
Tay Lai Seng, 41, timber trader
The Islamic state issue is an old one, but MCA is still harping on it. I think its think-tank should bear the responsibility: Has MCA run out of issues?
I can understand why MCA does not like this, because it has no real power in the BN coalition. It should have come up with a manifesto that is fair and equal, which is able to win the support of Chinese community.
I'm not afraid of an Islamic state. Kelantan is doing fine under the PAS government.
On the issue of 'shaking hands', it depends on the candidate's religion. If this is prohibited by religion, we can understand her reason.
Umno candidate Azahar Ibrahim is my neighbour, but I will vote according to issues. I'm a businessman... my concern is, who will do better?
I can understand why MCA does not like this, because it has no real power in the BN coalition. It should have come up with a manifesto that is fair and equal, which is able to win the support of Chinese community.
I'm not afraid of an Islamic state. Kelantan is doing fine under the PAS government.
On the issue of 'shaking hands', it depends on the candidate's religion. If this is prohibited by religion, we can understand her reason.
Umno candidate Azahar Ibrahim is my neighbour, but I will vote according to issues. I'm a businessman... my concern is, who will do better?
Ng Swee Cap, 37, businessman
Afraid of Islamic state? No. Instead I think ruling the nation according to a religion has an advantage because it can correct all the wrongs in the administration.
M
y wife and I are from big families... there are around 30 votes in our families. My mother is afraid of the Islamic state, but I have tried my best to convince her. I will vote for the PAS candidate, Normala.
I don't have a problem with Normala shaking hands with gloves on. If even if it is because of hygiene, it has nothing do to with discrimination.
The open verdict in Teoh Beng Hock's inquest will affect my voting decision. I also think that the deputy prime minister's claim that BN will secure 5,000 majority is over-confident.
M
y wife and I are from big families... there are around 30 votes in our families. My mother is afraid of the Islamic state, but I have tried my best to convince her. I will vote for the PAS candidate, Normala.I don't have a problem with Normala shaking hands with gloves on. If even if it is because of hygiene, it has nothing do to with discrimination.
The open verdict in Teoh Beng Hock's inquest will affect my voting decision. I also think that the deputy prime minister's claim that BN will secure 5,000 majority is over-confident.
Tay Mee Chuan, 45, home-maker
I will not vote based on whether
the candidate wears gloves or shakes hands with me. I will make my decision based on their performance.
I can accept PAS representing this area.
the candidate wears gloves or shakes hands with me. I will make my decision based on their performance.I can accept PAS representing this area.
My husband and I stay in Johor Bahru but we will come back to vote on polling day, although it is so close to Chinese New Year on Feb 3.
Chew Ching Lian, 61, coffeeshop owner
I have been hearing about this Islamic state thing, but I don't bother much about it. It is just MCA propaganda. However, if it is implemented, there is nothing much we can object to.
It is same to me whether this country is an Islamic state or secular state, But Chinese community affairs like education, food, alcohol, entertainment and gambling should be left untouched.
People like me are satisfied. We never ask anything from the government and we are not going to ask for goodies from the government during the election.
It is same to me whether this country is an Islamic state or secular state, But Chinese community affairs like education, food, alcohol, entertainment and gambling should be left untouched.
People like me are satisfied. We never ask anything from the government and we are not going to ask for goodies from the government during the election.
Chong Chan Kou., 62, retiree
Islam
ic state? There is nothing I should be afraid of about it. Should there be chaos, all Chinese in Malaysia will die.If we look from another angle, Chinese in Kelantan still have pork to eat.
I know Normala's father. He owns a shop in Tenang Stesen. We have tea together. It is because of this relationship I will vote for Normala.
The former Umno assemblyperson only showed his face during elections.
Lim Gan Chow, 88, retiree
I'm not afraid of an Islamic state because I'm close to 90 years of age. But I don't participate in politics... I don't know those big issues.
I have no comment on whether the candidate is a woman or whether she shake hands wearing gloves.
I have no comment on whether the candidate is a woman or whether she shake hands wearing gloves.
Woo Foo Yen, 41, grocery shop owner
MCA has been playing up
the issue of Malaysia becoming an Islamic state , as if the voters do not read newspapers and surf the Internet, and know nothing. It is not nice for BN to do things like this.
I'm not afraid of an Islamic state, but I cannot accept it. PAS is also divided into factions of extremists and moderates.
Although the hudud law promoted by the extremists only affects the Muslims, I think we should not resort to such a law.
Normala was in secondary school with my wife. We have known each other for a long time. I remember that before, she did not shake hands with people wearing gloves... I don't know...
the issue of Malaysia becoming an Islamic state , as if the voters do not read newspapers and surf the Internet, and know nothing. It is not nice for BN to do things like this.I'm not afraid of an Islamic state, but I cannot accept it. PAS is also divided into factions of extremists and moderates.
Although the hudud law promoted by the extremists only affects the Muslims, I think we should not resort to such a law.
Normala was in secondary school with my wife. We have known each other for a long time. I remember that before, she did not shake hands with people wearing gloves... I don't know...
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/154299
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