Johor Polls: Pick Reps Who Can Serve People Well - Azalina

KOTA TINGGI, June 13 (Bernama) -- UMNO information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said has urged voters to choose candidates who are close to the people, capable of providing the best service and who place the interests of their constituencies as a priority in the Johor state election on July 11.

Azalina, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), said voters should assess the track record and commitment of candidates before making their choice, as elected representatives who do not focus on their constituencies would make it more difficult to safeguard the welfare of local residents.

"If they choose a representative who is not present in the constituency and spends more time elsewhere, it will certainly make it difficult for the people to obtain the services they deserve," she said.

She told reporters this after officially opening the Legal Aid Department's Satellite Office at the Pengerang Court in Bandar Penawar here today.

Azalina, who is also the Pengerang MP, expressed hope that incumbent Barisan Nasional state assemblymen who had performed well during the past term would be retained as candidates for the Johor polls.

She also reiterated her view that younger candidates should be given the opportunity to contest, although this would be subject to the consideration of the party leadership.

The Election Commission has set July 11 as polling day for the 16th Johor state election, with nomination day on June 27 and early voting on July 7.

-- BERNAMA