NIBONG TEBAL: Academic qualifications of candidates contesting in elections often come under scrutiny, and the Sungai Bakap by-election is no exception.
That is the case for Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate Abidin Ismail, whose academic background and credentials came under scrutiny immediately after the nomination process for the by-election concluded yesterday.
Pas deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man's statement that Abidin is "ISO14001-2015" certified did not sit well with social media users, who sought more information on the PN candidate's academic qualifications.
PN election director Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's statement that academic qualifications alone cannot measure someone's suitability to become an excellent political leader in the future only added fuel to the fire.
The New Straits Times spoke to several voters in the Sungai Bakap constituency, most of whom did not share Sanusi's sentiment.
Housewife Elsa Lee, 57, from Bandar Tasek Mutiara here, believes that the higher the academic qualifications, the better it is for an elected representative.
"Good knowledge must come with great personality, such as being friendly, down-to-earth, and always ready to serve the people.
"It is important to have a mix of these qualities so that they can better help the people," she said.
Echoing her sentiment is food stall assistant S. Devarani, 26.
"If you ask me, a bachelor's degree will do. I prefer someone who can engage directly with the people.
"What good is having a highly intelligent elected representative who doesn't come down to the ground to understand the people's needs and help them?
"We are experiencing a high cost of living, and I want someone who can address such issues," she said.
For first-time voter Nur Aliya Safiya Mohd Nasirruddin, 18, who is awaiting university admission, she believes it would suffice for an elected representative to possess a basic undergraduate degree.
She said not everyone has the opportunity to pursue education up to the doctoral level.
"That depends on one's capabilities. Having a master's or doctoral degree is a bonus.
"What's important is that we want elected representatives who engage directly with the community.
"Their responsibility is to serve the people who voted for them."
Quality assurance technician Nagerah Shaik Hussain Sahib, 31, however, said what is important is an elected representative who understands the people's needs and problems and finds solutions for them.
Another first-time voter, Nursyairah Abdul Syukur, 19, who is studying in Kuala Lumpur, said a basic degree is sufficient as long as the elected representative is responsible and concern about the welfare of people in Sungai Bakap.
"To me, it doesn't really matter. I prefer someone who actively engages with the community to help their constituents. We need them to serve us," she said.
Nursyairah said all parties should close ranks and come together after the by-election concluded irrespective of the outcome of the polls.
The by-election for the Sungai Bakap state seat will see a straight fight between Abidin and Pakatan Harapan's Dr Joohari Ariffin. The Election Commission fixed July 6 for polling and July 2 as early voting day.