ALOR GAJAH: For Barisan Nasional candidate for Gadek S. Nadarajah, this Deepavali will be unlike previous celebrations as his campaign commitments leave little time for family gatherings.
With the Melaka election campaign taking priority, even a planned lunch with his family remains uncertain as he continues making his rounds to meet voters.
As MIC’s sole candidate in the election, Nadarajah said his focus was on engaging with voters, listening to their concerns and understanding issues affecting their daily lives.
He said he had only managed to call his father this morning to check on the family’s Deepavali preparations.
“My focus is entirely on campaigning. I only managed to call my father this morning to ask about the family’s Deepavali preparations.
“He told me everything was in order and that I should not worry about things at home.
“I told them perhaps they could come and meet me for lunch tomorrow, but even that has not been confirmed because I do not know where I will be at that time,” he said when met while campaigning here.
Instead of spending time with his family, Nadarajah plans to visit temples and the homes of Indian voters in Gadek.
“Tomorrow, I will visit several temples in Gadek where the Hindu community will be celebrating Deepavali.
“I have also received invitations from several families in the constituency to visit their homes.
“That is how I will be spending my Deepavali. We will continue campaigning, but tomorrow’s activities will be dedicated to the Indian community celebrating the festival,” he said.
Reflecting on his first week on the campaign trail, Nadarajah described the response from voters as encouraging, although some had openly voiced their frustrations over unresolved local issues.
He said he welcomed the feedback, viewing it as an opportunity to better understand the problems facing the people.
“The campaign has been very good and satisfying so far. Wherever I go, people have welcomed me warmly.
“Of course, there are also those who express their frustrations, sometimes in a slightly raised voice.
“That is normal. When people face difficulties, they need an opportunity to express what is troubling them,” he said.