MUAR, Aug 23 — Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) candidate for the Simpang Jeram state assembly seat by-election, Nazri Abdul Rahman is no stranger to serving the people as he has always been involved in volunteer and charity work with several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) there.

Nazri, 56, said since young age, he witnessed firsthand the problems of the people whenever he accompanied his father, who was a village head and that early exposure has propelled him to want to continue to help people.

"I want to help people, especially at the grass-root level as they face common difficulties and need to be helped. I started to be active in politics when I was in my 20s and just wanted to take care of the people’s welfare,” said Nazri when met by Bernama recently.

The Simpang Jeram native said his agenda was to develop the local population’s economy as well as to find a solution to the perennial problem of flash floods in the area.

Nazri, who is an engineer, said that if given the opportunity to be a representative of the people there, one of the main things that will be implemented is to improve the drainage system so that local residents would not have to encounter flash floods again.

"I will use my experience as an engineer (with the Muar Municipal Council) to overcome such problems, especially around Bakri town. Secondly, I will help boost the economy of local residents by building new business areas as well as creating job opportunities through the industrial sector including small and medium industries (SMEs).

"I will also not forget the basic things related to the welfare and well-being of the people. We need to help the needy in every aspect and alleviate them from poverty as well as help those who are suffering from chronic health problems,” he said.

Nazri said that he would continue the legacy of former Simpang Jeram assemblyman, the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, by always practicing the approach of going down to the ground to meet the people.

He said he would also ensure that every household in the area would have food as well as help families in the event of deaths.

"I will continue the special complaint counter related to basic food assistance, and will also help in terms of managing funerals and providing free food during tahlil ceremonies (first day) to ease the burden of the grieving family.

"In addition, if given the responsibility to serve the people, I will continue every plan made by the late Salahuddin so that those planned developments will be implemented,” he added.

Nomination day for the Simpang Jeram state and Pulai parliamentary by-elections is Saturday (November 26), followed by early voting on September 5 and polling day is on September 9. — Bernama