TERENGGANU WITH MALAYSIAKINI: the unsung heroes of political campaign

As the flock of geese crippled the jetliner, Captain Chesley B “Sully” Sullenberger III, who guided the US Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency landing in the river, just off Manhattan’s West 48th Street, was compared to David Niven. He was a real hero.

2. With Malaysiakini, lets share other relevant instances, when heroes are seldom serenaded, the backroom guys.

Unsung heroes of
Kuala Terengganu
Political Campaign.
2009/01/15

Since the announcement of the by-election candidates, Nianotieya Zaharuddin has been working tirelessly as a "receptionist" at the Tun Abdul Razak mobile clinic. She makes sure patients are attended to by doctors at the mobile clinic, which has visited 34 voting centres in the constituency.

"It's my first time doing this and it's fun. I am not tired, although I do get sleepy at times.

"I get to help many people whatever their political leanings. I hope I can serve again," she said.

Like many others working in operation centres, Nia is among the unsung heroes helping Barisan Nasional candidate Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh in his campaign.
The situation is similar for Nik Suhaila Megat Deraman, Wan Farid's media liaison officer.

She starts at 7am, following Wan Farid on his campaign trails and schedules appointments with the people and media.

By the time she retires for the day, it would be 3am. It has become routine for her since nomination day on Jan 6.

"It's stressful at times but also fun because I see lots of antics and learn new stuff. Of course, I get to catch up with old friends as well.

"That said, I do need a fix of chocolate every now and then for that extra boost," the former journalist said.

Just like Nia and Suhaila, Pas campaign manager Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah thrives on the excitement.

His days are long but nights are brief -- he has managed on two hours of sleep since the campaign started late last month.

As he juggles the double responsibilities as Pas candidate Mohd Abdul Wahid Endut's representative, Wan Sukairi said organisation and spiritual sustenance are his fuel.

"Of course, it's tiring. But the best part about campaigning is when the people respond positively," the affable ustaz said.

With a day left before the showdown, these unsung heroes are oiling the machinery and working round the clock for the final dash.

[Kuala Terengganu by-election:Unsung heroes of this campaign
New Straits Times, Malaysia ]


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