Perak MB drives garbage truck, dumps criticism aside

There are often telltale signs when an election is close, especially when politicians shed their suits for more common outfits, kiss babies and visit wet markets.

Or in the case of Zambry Abd Kadir, drive a garbage truck.

However, the Perak menteri besar denied that his action was a “cheap publicity stunt” to garner votes.

“This (collecting) rubbish is not a question of cheap publicity. So I want to reprimand the opposition... enough,” he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

“The people can think for themselves which is good and bad,” he added.

The menteri besar also remained unfazed over the opposition's criticism regarding his actions in light of the “Clean Perak” programme and vowed not to be deterred.

“Let them be with their criticism. What is important is to continue sowing in the minds of the people regarding the importance of preserving cleanliness,” he added.

Zambry collected the rubbish together with state excos and residents in the Malim Nawar area. He also had breakfast with the residents.

In 2014, Azmin Ali, shortly after becoming menteri besar of Selangor, also engaged in a similar stunt, where he rode on a garbage truck.

The PKR leader also gave out his personal phone number to the public, asking them to contact him if uncollected rubbish was spotted.

Rubbish has often been a powerful political tool for politicians, particularly in this part of the world.

Elsewhere, politicians have found themselves at the other end, literally. For example, in 2014, several Ukranian politicians, accused of wrongdoing, were thrown into trash bins in what became known as the “Trash Bucket Challenge”.

Back on the Malaysian front, Umno information chief Annuar Musa said there is no rush to hold the general election even as the opposition appears to be in disarray at the moment.

“We don't have to be worried. As long as their relationship is based on a marriage of convenience, and not a sound ideology, and when they exist because of a mutual foe, the opposition will not be able to provide a credible alternative.

“They will continue to fight like they did in the past, at present and even more in time to come. Even if the election is delayed, they will resolve their problems,” he told Berita Harian.- Mkini