Bersatu newbie Wan Saiful hits ground running in FT's Titiwangsa

Bersatu policy and strategy deputy director Wan Saiful Wan Jan yesterday went on a walkabout at the Kampung Pandan night market, under the Titiwangsa parliamentary constituency.

He was with 10 Pakatan Harapan youth leaders to distribute leaflets explaining the coalition’s manifesto.

Wan Saiful, who joined the Umno splinter party on March 1, did not introduce himself to the petty traders and shoppers he approached.

He merely handed them the leaflets and said, "This is Harapan’s manifesto, our promises. You know whom to vote right?"

When the recipients showed an interest in the leaflets, he and the group spent more time and explained it to them.

However, some whom the analyst approached refused his leaflets.

Along the night market sits the Taman Maluri Umno Branch, with a heavy presence of BN flags.

Speaking with Malaysiakini, Wan Saiful said rejection was something normal, and he has expected this to happen.

However, the response on the ground showed the people felt the pinch of the slowing economy, he said.

"Several said they were impacted by the economy. A petty trader who sold headscarfs was forced to sell vegetables now, due to lack of buying power.

"And, the crowds have reduced as compared to before," he said.

Elusive on candidacy

Wan Saiful is speculated to be fielded at an urban seat, including Titiwangsa, the sole seat in Kuala Lumpur that Bersatu will contest.

However he declined to confirm the rumour.

"Titiwangsa is a focal seat of Bersatu, hence, it is our responsibility to assist in the campaign here regardless of who the candidate is," he said.

Bersatu has a list of good candidates who are able to perform the act of giant killer, he said.

Titiwangsa was won by Second Finance Minister Johari Abdul Ghani in 2013 with only a 866 majority. - Mkini