MELAKA, Nov 9 – Speaking Mandarin has given Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir an advantage in reaching Chinese voters in the Kelebang state constituency.
The 26-year-old candidate has used her language skills to communicate with residents, especially senior citizens. Her ability to speak Mandarin also helps her explain her campaign message and political plans more clearly.
During a campaign visit to Pokok Mangga, Farzana caught the attention of 63-year-old resident Fang Kong Goon. He praised her friendly approach and ability to communicate with the Chinese community.
Fang said speaking Mandarin helps Farzana introduce herself and build closer relationships with local residents. It also makes it easier for her to explain her manifesto and plans if voters elect her as their representative.
Mandarin Helps Build Community Connections
Ku Chin Siew, a 70-year-old caretaker at Geok Hu Keng Temple, said Farzana was already familiar to many residents in the area.
Known locally as Nana, the candidate has visited and engaged with the Chinese community on several occasions.
Ku welcomed Farzana’s ability to speak Mandarin. She said the language made communication easier, particularly for people who were not fluent in Malay.
Meanwhile, Farzana said her close connection with the Chinese community began during her school years.
She attended Ying Chye Chinese National-type Primary School in Bukit Rambai before continuing her studies at Melaka Chinese High School. She also took Mandarin as a subject in her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
As a result, she feels comfortable speaking with Chinese residents during campaign visits.
Positive Response Ahead of Polling Day
Farzana said many residents were surprised when they heard her speak Mandarin during walkabouts and visits to local eateries.
She believes the ability to communicate in their preferred language has helped make conversations about politics more relaxed.
So far, she has received encouraging responses from members of the Chinese community in Kelebang. She hopes this support will translate into votes on polling day.
Farzana faces a four-cornered contest for the Kelebang state seat. Her challengers are Datuk Lim Ban Hong of Barisan Nasional (BN), Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mohamad of Bersatu and Young Jie Yu of Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama).
The Election Commission has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election. Meanwhile, early voting will take place on Nov 10.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
