It is the custom for the resident association of Bandar Utama 3/6 to host talks by both the government and opposition parties during the election campaign. This year was no different and the government’s representatives came on Wednesday while the oppositions took the podium on Thursday.

According to the association, the residents want to hold this kind of dialogue every election because they feel that with these sessions, they would be able to voice out their opinions, discontent, requests and questions to the would be parliamentary seats. They believe it would help them decide who they are going to vote for.

At this talk, some shouted for better road conditions, better traffic management, transparency in the ACA, general fairness and what not.

R. Sivarasa arrived slightly after 8.30pm to be the first speaker. He first commended the residents’ effort to have this dialogue session but suggested that next time the candidates are invited on the same night to debate and discuss the issues as this would provide the people with both sides of the story.

He then explained to the people in general what he is fighting for; highlighting how what happened in 2004 had created a huge problem when the people voted only 9% Opposition into the parliament and only two opposition leaders in Selangor. He said that this has made the gomen very arrogant and that the people should not take it anymore.

During the Q&A segment, someone asked Sivarasa about the different manifestos of the different opposition parties and how to consolidate them so that the oppositions can work together. Siva replied that although there are differences, there is a common ground and the different parties will work from there. He assured that the Opposition can work together because they all have a common purpose.

The issue of indelible ink arose and Sivarasa said this shows that the EC was not acting independently. The EC have wasted public funds and the people need to rise up to this by going out full force this saturday, so that the ink can be used next election.

Elizabeth Wong spoke after Sivarasa excused himself to another ceramah. She spoke about the problems plaguing Bandar Utama and what she will do to combat them. She listed some incidents and examples of corruption in disguise like the Exco Village and the Egypt trip. Dr. Irene Fernandez spoke afterwards about her experience and her injustice. She also spoke about PKR’s role in the future of the government.

Tian Chua arrived slightly later to speak. He got the crowd going by saying that he would not mention any stories or controversies about the government because, he said, he believed that the people of BU3 already knew all about them. He said he would will not insult their intelligence that way. He spoke about the winds of change this Saturday and that PKR have a lot of methods to ensure that the government does not cheat/corrupt.

What residents say:

Mr. Gary, 61, Bandar Utama 3 resident

He says that he feel what Sivarasa said in his speeches were a open secret - nothing surprising or new. Sivarasa spoke of controversies that they already know. But he was there to give moral support to the cause and to Sivarasa. He wanted his neighbours to know and to encourage them, he invited them out. He thinks that the safety issue is important, citing that the residents should not need to pay additional fees to hire homeguard services who are sleeping in the pondok half the time. He says that it is the police’s job. And because the police aren’t doing it well, the residents are then forced to hire private securities. Mr. Gary is very glad that the atmosphere this election is very different. A lot of people are now aware and want to know more. He thinks young people are also much more involved than the last few elections he voted in.

Mr. Bruno, 62, Bandar Sunway resident

He first thinks that Sivarasa is very brave to be speaking out about the issues. Although he too knew about most of the stories that Sivarasa was telling, he thinks that by speaking about it in public such as this ceramah will benefit the neighbours, especially those who aren’t aware. He feels that the traffic condition in Damansara area should be improved because it is a business and entertainment hub. He thinks that this election is very dirty because the government is controlling the media. The media biasness is unfair, he said.

Makcik Min, 55, BU4 resident

She thinks it’s great to have a woman rep, and is surprised that Elizabeth is so young. She respects Eli’s courage. She’s glad that young people are getting interested. She thinks Eli is very funny and engaging with the crowd. Although Kak Min isn’t sure about Eli’s plan, she is confident that Eli sincerely wants to help the people. She thinks that the safety of residence especially children is the utmost important. “macam dekat padang ini lah, kanak-kanak dan adik adik selalu bermain, kan” Safety in public areas. She says it’s nice to come out to the padang to hear the talk and thinks the mood is akin to a carnival. As she described it, everyone wanted to listen to the speakers as if they were rockstars.