Could Mastura Mohd Yazid be the next ‘Iron Lady’ like former Cabinet minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz?
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri SK Devamany believed so.
He opined that Mastura, the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the upcoming Kuala Kangsar parliamentary by-election, could be what Rafidah was for the people of Kuala Kangsar, when the latter was the constituency's Member of Parliament from 1986 to 2013.
He also said this was the hope of Kuala Kangsar locals; to see Rafidah’s 'fire' in Mastura, to lead with wisdom and further develop the area.
"I believe Datin Mastura will be a people-oriented leader. Because of who she is, thousands will come to her aid, and it's not because she recently lost her husband.
"Mastura's strength as a woman and experience as a lawyer who has practiced overseas can continue the legacy of past leaders like Rafidah in bringing Kuala Kangsar, Perak and Malaysia to success," he said when met at the MIC headquarters yesterday.
Rafidah, who was the International Trade and Industry Minister from 1987 to 2008, was also the Wanita UMNO chief from 2004 to 2007. She first won the Kuala Kangsar seat in 1986 and served the constituency for six terms.
Meanwhile, Devamany, who is also Perak State Legislative Assembly Speaker, said the support of the Indian community towards BN in Kuala Kangsar has also increased in the last three weeks.
"During my first week of campaigning here, the support was around 60 percent but now it has escalated to 80 percent.
"This is due to the home visits, gathering with voters, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak going down to the ground to help locals with their issues and also Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir helping to solve land and other community issues," he said.
Devamany said, the efforts gave a huge impact and managed to convince those who were earlier doubtful of Barisan Nasional.
"This is assisted by an experienced machinery, led by someone (Zambry) who has experience in working with both Rafidah and Allahyarham Datuk Wan (Datuk Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad).
"We have 17 (MIC) branches and nine polling districts running smoothly and systematically. This has helped us to forensically trace the 2,282 voters," he said, adding that the campaign’s success was also attributed to the fluid cooperation between BN components.
Astro Awani
Wed Jun 15 2016
Mastura with her sons during the nomination day on June 4. - BERNAMApic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.