By Shamz Johan
AMPANG, Nov 17 — Rain was no deterrent for thousands of Pakatan Harapan (Harapan) supporters from attending the Ampang and Pandan Ceramah Pilihan Raya programme last night.
Held at Bandar Baru Ampang, the arrival of the coalition’s chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was greeted with fireworks and chants of ‘Reformasi’.
In her speech, Harapan’s candidate for Ampang parliamentary seat Rodziah Ismail emphasised the oppression of the people to the extent that many are burdened by the increase in living costs.
“It was saddening when I paid a visit to an elderly couple at their home, and they asked for food.
“Is this the kind of leader who leaves the people to fend for themselves, while they go all out wrapping poles with flags?
“Many are poor, and some engulfed in debt. This is the change we need to make. All those who are concerned should go to ground, and knock on every door to see for themselves the fate of the people,” she said.
Rodziah added that empowering the people‘s welfare is a Harapan priority, in addition to defending the fate of the youths.
Meanwhile, Anwar insisted the issue of economic slowdown needs to be focused on and overcome urgently, to ensure Malaysia is able to attract new investments.
“The previous government did not care about economic issues. Investments are not entering, salaries are not increasing but cabinet ministers are increasing,” stressed the Harapan candidate for the Tambun parliamentary seat in Perak.