MELAKA, Nov 1 (Sin Chew Daily) — More voters are reluctant to vote in the coming state polls in Melaka due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of credible candidates, according to Sim Tong Him, leader of Justice Alliance Melaka.

Sim said voters were left with no choice and felt there were no suitable candidates.

In an interview with Sin Chew Daily, Sim said voters were disappointed with politics especially the current state of chaos.

Voters are also upset by the performance of elected representatives they supported and are left without a third option.

Sim was of the view that the rise of Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) was a god sign, as the political party formed by young people are offering fresh faces without any political baggage.

Sim said Justice Alliance Melaka is happy to work with political parties capable of attracting multiracial groups including internet celebrities who can offer constructive views.

Currently, the group is monitoring politics as it has yet to be a third force in the state.

“We hope to see election candidates who will serve the people instead of their own interests,” he said.

Sim, a former Kota Melaka member of parliament, has not decided whether he will be running in the upcoming state polls.

Former state assemblyman Goh Leong San said voters should spend time on candidates in order to support one who is people-eccentric.

Voters were only happy for 22 months after the last General Elections following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.

The public sentiment for the state election this time is different from the last General Election as people have become disappointed compared to the last GE.

“Voters are unable to accept that issues such as flash floods, drought, traffic jam and others have not been solved while millions are spent to hold a state elections,” he said.

Unless a third channel could be created with their political ideals, Goh said he would contest as an independent candidate to give the voters an additional option.

Sim, Goh, along with Lim Jack Wong and Chin Choong Seong were former DAP state assemblymen who quit the party in 2017, citing a lack of trust in party leadership.

They contested in the 2018 General Elections as independent candidates but all lost.