Johor polls: Ex-journalist Zulkifli Bujang uses experience to understand people better

JOHOR BAHRU: Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for the Larkin state seat, Zulkifli Bujang, described his experience of working as a journalist as an advantage in understanding the needs of the people and helping to resolve issues facing them, if given a mandate in the Johor state election.

Zulkifli, 44, a former Bernama TV journalist, said he had ventured into journalism at the age of 18, a career that taught him to convey the voice of the people to the authorities to solve a problem.

"As a journalist, I bring the issues of the people to the authorities to take action, because we understand what people want and, as the media, we are the mediators to convey their (people's) voices.

"When I was named as a candidate for Larkin (state seat), I feel that I understand what the people need ... If people need help then I will find a solution for the comfort of the people. So, that's what I can offer to the constituents, especially in the Larkin state constituency," he said.

The former Home Minister's press secretary said this when appearing as a guest on the Suara Johor programme, produced by Bernama TV, today.

He said the experience of working in the public sector was also an advantage for him, especially from the administrative aspect, and the matter was seen as a necessary quality to be an elected representative.

Therefore, he hopes that his experience will be used by voters to assess his quality as a candidate contesting the Johor polls.

Zulkifli will be up against five opponents, Mohd Hairi Mad Shah (Barisan Nasional); Mohamad Riadz Mohamad Hashim (Parti Pejuang Tanah Air); Dr Zamil Najwah Arbain (PKR); Rasid Abu Bakar (Malaysian United Democratic Alliance or MUDA); and NorRamadan Buan (Independent).

The Election Commission has set March 12 as the Johor state election polling day, with early voting on March 8.

-- BERNAMA