(From left) PAS’ Fauzi Abu Bakar, BN's Datuk Seri Raja Nong Chik Zainal Abidin and PKR's Fahmi Fadzil pose for a picture after the nomination process in Lembah Pantai April 28, 2018. — Picture by Azinuddin Ghazali

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — It has been 10 years since Klang Valley “hot seat” Lembah Pantai fell to the Opposition.

It was Nurul Izzah Anwar’s first victory in politics when she won the seat in 2008, defeating Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil with a 2,895-vote majority.

In 2013, she did it again by defeating BN’s Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin with an 1,870-vote majority.

Still, there have been grouses that she failed to affect change in the area during her two terms as MP, with some complaining about her lack of presence as well.

It was also reported that some even accused her of “riding on” programmes to portray herself as going down to the ground to meet constituents.

This time around, PKR’s Fahmi Fadzil — a new face — will contest the seat with Raja Nong Chik who effectively started his campaign right after his 2013 loss.

In these last few days before polling, Malay Mail spoke to the constituents to find out what they expect from their MP: Someone who is about bigger issues such as policies or one who focuses more on local problems and serves his constituents?

It was a mixed bag of reactions, and here is what some had to say:

Raja Hazril Shah Raja Alang Shah speaks to Malay Mail during an interview in Kuala Lumpur May 4, 2018. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Out-of-towner Mohd Azrel Mohd Hilmi, 35

The marketing executive lives in Kota Baru, Kelantan but is a Lembah Pantai voter.

“I would say whoever has contested Lembah Pantai has always shown his or her best side, but the one who wins is usually because of their party. Whoever it is, MPs in the Federal Territories must juggle (their responsibilities) because we don’t have a state assemblyman to handle smaller matters.”

Home-based baker Don Hemanta, 52, from Bangsar

“It is immature for people to expect their MPs to handle small matters. An MP must have a good team working in the area to handle smaller issues so that he or she can work on bigger issues in Parliament.”

Housewife Vinney Chiang, 60, from Bangsar

“The MP must be responsible for the people in the area, but he or she can always delegate community matters to his or her staff and focus on the bigger agenda to get the country run right.”

Siti Nor Shahidah Harun speaks to Malay Mail during an interview in Kuala Lumpur May 4, 2018. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Petty trader Siti Nor Shahidah Harun, 32, from Kerinchi

“As an educated youth, I obviously want a leader who raises our problems in Parliament. I don’t want a rep who sits still and looks pretty while keeping mum about real bread-and-butter issues.

“However, it doesn’t hurt for the MP to show his or her face at local social events every once in a while. A good rapport is also important.”

Architect Jeremy Leong, 49, from Bangsar South

“I don’t want a leader who shows up at people’s weddings or funerals without putting in actual work. The rising cost of living, for instance, can only be fixed if real changes happen at the policy-making level. I think the definition of ‘work’ differs for people from different backgrounds.”

Software developer Arvind Kaur, 25, from Taman Sri Sentosa

“A good leader goes down to the ground to have a better understanding of the people’s daily struggles. If you don’t show up and meet your constituents, how can you understand what we actually want?

“You don’t have to literally help us clean the drains but conduct engagement events that let us know you are here and that you care.”

Raja Hazril Shah Raja Alang Shah, 34, from Pantai Dalam

“I want a leader who is guided by the Islamic principles above all else. Firstly, must be someone morally right, in line with the religious rulings.

“Secondly, this leader has to be approachable. We want a leader that we can talk to, meet whenever we need him or her, and help solve localised problems. Your actions speak louder than your words.”

Suzie Wong speaks to Malay Mail during an interview in Kuala Lumpur May 4, 2018. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri Abas

Retiree, Suzie Wong, 71, from Bangsar

“Any elected MP must know that he or she is answerable to the people. He or she is our voice on the higher front. I don’t need to see my MP ‘turun padang’ often, but he or she has a responsibility to ensure everything is in place.”

Self-employed Mithra Thuraisingam, 30, from Bangsar

“When we have elections for local councils, credible individuals lead the council to solve local issues and in that way, the MP can focus on bigger matters like national policies.”

Executive Zuridah Hassan, 40, from Pantai Dalam

“I believe an MP must have both qualities: Able to meet the people often and also champion the right issues in Parliament. He or she can’t just ignore the constituents after the elections with the excuse that he or she needs to focus on national issues.”

Executive Kavitha Aruljothi, 37, from Bangsar

“Keep the local councils in check, so that they get the job done right. In that way, MPs can focus on the law-making process.”