Although the Batu Talam constituency is known to be a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold, many of the locals are disappointed that the opposition has decided to boycott the Jan 28 by-election.

When met recently, villager Hamzah Zainal said there has been no ' durian runtuh ' (election goodies) because of this.

"If the opposition is contesting, the government will be pouring in projects to fish for votes," he explained.

Hamzah is worried that development projects in the area will not be carried out since BN is expected to retain the seat easily.

The by-election for the Pahang state seat will see a straight fight between BN candidate Abdul Aziz Mat Kiram, 47, and independent, 21-year-old trader Ng Chee Pang.

Chee Pang is the son of DAP Pahang treasurer Kwi Ling. However, DAP has not endorsed Chee Pang's candidacy.

The Barisan Alternatif (BA) comprising Parti Keadilan Rakyat and PAS is boycotting the by-election to push for electoral reforms.

Bargaining power

Without a credible opposition candidate, 50-year-old school gardener Abdul Razak Ahmad said the locals have lost their 'bargaining power'.

"It would be good if PAS stands in the election, at least there will be a contest," he said.

Razak hopes the government will allocate more land for Felda settlers in the area so that the locals, who rely heavily on agriculture, can benefit.

Meanwhile, the headmaster for the only Tamil school in Batu Talam is hoping that the school, which has 73 pupils, will see better times.

"The school lacks a lot of basic facilities such as computer labs. We have brought this issue to the education department and state government but it remains unresolved," said the headmaster, who only wanted to be identified as Sura.

"Definitely we hope this by-election can help us solve these issues," he added.

He also said the hike in fuel prices will not affect the support for the BN government and the Indian community there do not have much grouses.

"Of course we feel the pinch but most of us will forget the issue. We (the Indians in Batu Talam) don't have any major complaints. Our concerns are just about the school and the drainage system," he said, adding that the community supports BN 'more than 100 percent'.

Broken promises

Meanwhile, rubber-tapper Lee Kwee Hin said residents in Kampung Baru Cheroh have been complaining about a smelly rubbish dump for more than 10 years but this has yet to be addressed.

"Whatever promises they make in the election, they will not honour it later. Like this time, they promised (to look into the rubbish dump issue) again. But if you were me, will you believe it?" he asked.

Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said he will announce a 'gift' for the Chinese community in the area soon.

Batu Talam has 10,525 voters, 79 percent are Malays, 11 percent Chinese and 10 percent Indians and Orang Asli.