Johor Polls: Perling BN Candidate Bets On "Pocket Talks" To Win Over Voters

By Muhammad Faiz Baharin

JOHOR BAHRU, July 1 (Bernama) -- Taking a personal and grassroots approach, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Perling seat, P. Pannir Selvam, is relying on a series of “pocket talks” as his key strategy to win over voters in the 16th Johor State Election (PRN).

While acknowledging the growing influence of social media as a modern campaign tool, Pannir Selvam, who is making his debut in state-level politics, believes face-to-face engagement through small-group sessions remains more effective and leaves a deeper impression on voters.

He said the pocket talk approach not only narrows the gap between candidates and voters but also serves as an effective platform to better understand and address issues affecting the local community.

“Through these sessions, I have the opportunity to meet voters directly, introduce myself in a more personal and approachable manner, and explain my vision while giving them confidence in my ability to serve the people in this constituency.

“So far, the response from voters in the pocket talks held across this DUN has been very encouraging and has given me confidence to intensify the campaign as polling day approaches,” he told Bernama recently.

As he seeks a mandate in what is expected to be a closely watched contest, Pannir Selvam described the unwavering support of his father, Datuk KS Balakrishnan, as a source of strength and motivation.

He said the presence of his father, who is a political veteran, being a former Permas Assemblyman for five terms and also a former Johor state executive council member, represents more than parental support, but also invaluable guidance in understanding public service.

“I am deeply moved that at the age of 84, he still has the determination to drive himself to campaign locations and go to the ground to support me regardless of the weather.

“To be honest, I have learned a great deal from my father, especially in handling public issues, serving people without discrimination regardless of race, and accepting criticism positively,” he said.

Pannir Selvam added that his father’s advice has always been to serve sincerely, honestly and with integrity if entrusted with the people’s mandate.

On his pledges to Perling voters, the former Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) member said he intends to prioritise resolving daily issues affecting residents, particularly traffic congestion and insufficient parking facilities around the Taman Perling Public Market.

He said his experience in local government administration would enable him to address community concerns more effectively and efficiently.

The Perling DUN, which has 109,992 registered voters, is seeing a three-cornered contest involving Pannir Selvam, Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Alan Tee Boon Tsong and Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) candidate Boo Wei Han.

The Johor polls are witnessing a total of 172 candidates contesting 56 seats, with polling day set for July 11, while early voting is on July 7.

To get the latest news on the 16th Johor PRN, visit https://prn.bernama.com/johor/.

-- BERNAMA

N46: PERLING:109,992 pengundi

1.    P. Pannir Selvam (BN-MIC)

2.    Alan Tee Boon Tsong (PH-DAP)

3.    Boo Wei Han (Bersama)

(2022: Liew Chin Tong: PH-DAP: Maj: 3,347)