KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) candidate for Bandar Utama, Abe Lim may carry a warm smile and appear dainty in person, but there is nothing dainty about her campaign.
The 27-year-old, who is an environmental advocate and trained lawyer, dares to be different in the name of progress for the country.
She said Muda is determined to voice the concerns of communities in their fight against errant urban planning and the 'warlords' who defend it.
She is tackling overlooked issues faced by the community in the constituency. One of them is the Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link (PJD Link).
She said despite the project's cancellation, there are still ways for it to be revived because due the systems and structures required to ensure sustainable development are not in place.
Lim is committed to be the champion to aid in rejecting developments that put livelihoods at risk.
Question: What are some of the pressing issues that people have voiced out to you?
Answer: Throughout the whole campaign, among the many frustrations that we gathered from people on the ground focus on the issue of how stray animals are dealt with, traffic congestion, rising cost of transportation as well mega development projects that lack transparency.
These grouses stem from the lack of attention of the respective representatives that were supposed to look into the matter more intently.
Question: How is Muda looking to address these issues?
Answer: Muda is pro-rakyat, and that is reflective of our approaches.
We have a flat structure as a party and we aim to do things without hindrance or gag orders.
We talk about how past administrations have invested a lot in public transport services, but the problem in this particular matter is interconnectivity between the modes of transportations, which includes pedestrian accessibility.
If we actually want our community to gain the ideal quality of life, you need to provide them with real solutions.
Another good example is the PJD-Link case. It has been an ongoing dispute for many years now, where the majority of the community have rejected the project.
Muda can be the strongest and loudest voice in the state assembly if given the chance. That is why our tagline is 'Politik Baru'.
Question: As an underdog in politics, what are some of the measures taken to instil confidence among voters?
Answer: It is evident that there is a systemic issue here where people vote based on parties.
It is a challenge, but we need to help voters understand that voting for the best candidate to represent their own constituency is important. Someone that can advocate for your needs and aspirations.
That candidate has to be someone that is not afraid to voice out concerns for the voices that are unheard or sidelined.
There is certainly something lacking in the current setting. Elections are not just about giving handouts and pamphlets for popularity.
We lack compassion and that is why my campaign focuses on creating a holistic environment, where I can foster the sense of being part of a community.
Question: Some people described Muda was being disruptive in its decision to field candidates in the constituencies it has chosen, and that it is splitting the Undi 18 vote. Your thoughts?
Answer: When you talk about splitting votes at least within the Bandar Utama constituency, PH-BN is already a strong coalition of its own.
Currently, I do not see any strong opposition in the area at all, and for any community to progress, they need to have a strong opposition.
Muda comes in as a check-and-balance party to any government. We are also here as an alternative for voters.
Question: What makes a good elected representative?
Answer: Right now, we are too focused on adaptation instead of mitigation. A good representative is someone who works on long-term solutions instead of short-term planning.
