In Bayan Lepas, locals view Azrul as more than Lau's opponent

STATE POLLS | At dusk on Tuesday, the normally quiet Taman Perda in Penang roars with life as night market vendors set up for business.

This time, things are slightly different. Some 20 activists in Pakatan Harapan uniforms are dining at a restaurant nearby, waiting for the Bayan Lepas incumbent assemblyperson Azrul Mahathir Aziz to show up for his walkabout.

When Azrul eventually arrived, the entourage leaps into action, greeting every market-goer in sight.

Azrul sets himself apart from the vote canvassers by wearing a plain shirt, slacks, and leather shoes. His only election paraphernalia is his red Harapan cap and button badge.

As Azrul weaved through the thick of the crowd, it was immediately apparent that he was well recognised and was approached by many well-wishers.

When greeting men, Azrul frequently combines a handshake and a shoulder pat with his left hand. With women, Azrul would place his hand on his chest and bow lightly.

His impromptu interview with Malaysiakini was interrupted a few times by market-goers seeking handshakes and small talk.

“YB! We will definitely support you,” said one well-wisher. “Pakatan Harapan!” shouted another.

When he passed a beef noodle stall, the owner enthusiastically offered him and his team a meal.

“On normal days, I am a regular person. During this election, people seem especially enthusiastic,” he said.

In 2018, Azrul, who is from Amanah, made history by becoming the first non-BN assemblyperson for Bayan Lepas. His service centre was about 200m from the night market.

His challenger, Perikatan Nasional’s Dominic Lau, is also looking to make history. Lau is the Gerakan president.

‘He loves to help’

To outsiders, Azrul is simply “Lau’s opponent”. But several locals told Malaysiakini that Azrul is a familiar face and is approachable.

Some locals said Azrul is always contactable by phone and would make an effort to address complaints and handle issues such as floods, fires, storms, and water supply disruptions.

One voter said Azrul could often be seen on his scooter, inspecting the constituency and contacting the relevant authorities when a problem arises.

A local, who only wished to be identified as Roslindah, and who is an Umno member, told Malaysiakini that Azrul was known for his local presence.

“He loves to help. For example, if a household experiences water supply disruption, regardless of the political party, ethnicity, or religion of the affected people, he will provide assistance by delivering water.

“If a house is destroyed by a storm, he personally responds to the voters and quickly resolves the issue,” she said.

Bayan Lepas is a constituency located in the southwest region of the Penang Island and is the site of the Penang International Airport.

This coastal area is a significant free trade industrial zone in the state Penang, accommodating both fishing activities and factory work.

There are 39,754 registered voters, of which most are Malay (63 percent), followed by Chinese (30 percent), and Indians (five percent).

Over the past five years, Azrul has maintained a low profile and rarely receives media coverage. He conceded that he is not a typical politician.

“Even during this state election, it’s hard for me to ask people to vote for me. My strength lies in the fact that I have few enemies.

“During the Kampung Nelayan floods, all voters had to do was send me a WhatsApp message and I will help in whatever way that I can,” he said.

‘He maintains connection with locals’

Prior to his first term, Azrul was appointed as the state government’s coordinator for Bayan Lepas in 2016. With his combined years of being a local troubleshooter, his opponent Lau may have an uphill battle.

Nasi lemak vendor Nasir Salli, 45, said Azrul worked tirelessly during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the needy received supplies.

“I support Harapan but now we are facing a challenge from an outsider. We should definitely follow the person who has been here (serving) all along. We already know him, and he has performed well,” said Nasir.

Roti John vendor Halimaton Ahmad also gave her stamp of approval.

Halimaton said Azrul was a caring person and noted how the latter had helped hawkers by distributing giant umbrellas.

“He maintains a connection with the locals. Whenever there are events, he will participate,” she said.

Azrul also appeared to have the support of local BN activists. On the first day of the campaign, Azrul’s opening move was to visit a prominent local Umno activist who was ill.

Since then, BN activists often joined Azrul’s campaign. On the third day of the campaign, some 20 activists joined him on his rounds.

In contrast, Bayan Lepas hopeful Lau’s campaign appeared to have started on the back foot after initially failing to secure the support of Penang PAS.

Lau also had to suffer the indignity of being turned away at a PN rally. PAS later apologised for Lau’s mistreatment.

Tonight, PN is expected to hold a rally for Lau in Bayan Lepas with PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man in attendance. - Mkini