am@hmetro.com.my
PIC BY NSTP/Eizairi Shamsudin
ALOR GAJAH: For Barisan Nasional candidate for the Gadek seat, S. Nadarajah, campaigning during the Melaka election has not stopped him from making time for Deepavali celebrations with the community.
Despite a packed schedule, Nadarajah began his day early by visiting five temples in the constituency, where he met voters marking the festival.
“I had the opportunity to meet voters who came dressed in traditional attire for the celebration. Some approached me to shake hands and take photographs after recognising me as a candidate.
“I also managed to enjoy some ladu and murukku this morning,” he said when met at the Jiwa Putra Gadek programme in Kampung Gadek here today.
After completing his temple visits, he headed to the Kampung Gadek field to join activities involving the community, including children, teenagers and youths.
His schedule, however, was far from over.
“After this, I have sepak takraw activities, a gathering and a meeting to attend,” he said.
The demanding campaign schedule has also meant making sacrifices in terms of time with his family, something Nadarajah said he had anticipated when deciding to contest the election.
“When you aspire to become a people’s representative, sacrifices are inevitable.
“However, I still fulfil my responsibilities towards my family. I contacted them yesterday and managed to meet them after midnight. This morning, I asked them to come here,” he said.
Beyond the Deepavali celebrations, Nadarajah is also working towards his campaign target of meeting 7,000 voters throughout the election period.
He said he had so far met about 2,000 voters and was confident of reaching his target before campaigning ends.
“We will step up our efforts to meet voters through various programmes, including ceramah, village feasts and sports activities.
“Three more Deepavali celebrations are also planned in the Gadek constituency, with each expected to draw about 500 people,” he said.
Nadarajah isin four-cornered contest against Pakatan Harapan’s Jegasilan Kungamboo, Bersama candidate Laveen Balaprabhakaran and Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia’s Laila Norinda Maon.