E Contrario

I traveled to Kemaman Terengganu last Friday 22 July. Kemaman or Kemamang as Terengganu’s locals pronounce it, borders with Pahang in the south. It is only 40 minutes from Kuantan. Demographically it is the most pluralistic parliamentary zone in Terengganu. In 1999 Rahman Yusof of KeADILan won the seat.

Kg Air Jernih, Kemaman

The first program I attended was a talk in Kampung Air Jernih. Kg Air Jernih is a Chinese settlement about 15 minutes drive from Chukai town.

Within the Parliament area of Kemaman, Chinese community is concentrated mainly in two places: Chukai town and Kg Air Jernih. Chinese call Kemaman town by the name Chukai because it has been the location of administration and custom offices. Here taxes and levies (for cargoes) were collected.

Since 1999, Parti Keadilan Rakyat enjoys strong support among the Chinese in both Chukai and Kg Air Jernih.

A talk was held in Kg Air Jernih. It was jointly organized by KeADIlan and PAS. The topic was related to crimes, economy and the latest political development.

Ng Chai Heng was the MC for the talk. Ng was the special assistant to Menteri Besar Utz Hadi Awang during the time PAS governed Terengganu.

The speakers were: Law Tek Hai (Information Chief of KeADILan Youth), Utz Alias Hamid (Information Chief of PAS Kemaman) and myself.

The problem of crime and public security is getting more serious even in Kemaman though it has not reach the level of Johor Baru or KL. The people in the East Coast are feeling the pressure of inflation too.

Terengganu people are also upset that land distribution scheme under PAS state government was reverted. In addition, land had been allocated for Non-Muslim cemetery by PAS previously. Until today, there is no commitment or promise from BN yet.

Ah Seng, Ah Lee and Lim are among the most dedicated members in Kemaman. They are movers and shakers in the division.