'I’m not bossy': Joohari counters unfriendly demeanour claims

SG BAKAP BY-ELECTION | Justifying his demeanour while interacting with Sungai Bakap voters, Pakatan Harapan candidate Joohari Ariffin denied allegation that he was unfriendly during his by-election campaign trail.

In an interview with Malaysiakini, Joohari said that he has multiple experience in dealing with the masses, particularly in Sungai Bakap.

"I’m a teacher. How could I not be friendly with students and the community? I have always approached students and parents with courtesy.

"I am also a leader of an NGO and deputy chairperson of a mosque where we deal with problems affecting the people. How could I not be friendly?" he asked.

Previously, Free Malaysia Today reported that a resident of Sungai Bakap a saying that the former educator has an "air of superiority", and sees Joohari as a "condescending, strict teacher".

In the report, another local trader said that he found Perikatan Nasional Abidin Ismail as having a more “welcoming demeanour” as the latter had previously worked as a personal assistant to the late assemblyperson, Nor Zamri Latiff.

Best communication mode

On that note, Joohari said he had carefully chosen the best communication method to reach out to voters but that did not mean he was being snobbish.

"I know when to use the right communication language. I have my way of communicating with students and children. I am also a lecturer in communication," he said.

Joohari added that he preferred peaceful interaction with others and had met leaders and supporters from the other side and had no problem listening to their woes.

"So, in my opinion, if we don't know about that person, we shouldn't give a negative perception. To me, that's impolite," he said.

In the first half of the campaign period, Joohari and Abidin had bumped into each other at least two times during the campaign trail.

This includes their walkabout session at a night market in Puteri Gunung as well as a friendly football match that was organised by PKR strategy director Akmal Nasir.

The Sungai Bakap state seat fell vacant following the death of its incumbent, Zamri, on May 24 due to inflammation in the abdomen.

The by-election is a straight fight between Joohari and PN’s Abidin. Polling day is on July 6.

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