JOHOR BARU: Being a first-time election candidate can be quite daunting and these female candidates from various parties want to show that they can hold their own.

       Perling state seat candidate Tan Hiang Kee from Barisan Nasional wants to prove to voters that she has the brains to back up her looks.

       Raring to go: (From left) Tan, Intan Nadira, Marina and Shazani will all be contesting in the Johor state polls.

       With a degree in accounting, the 38-year-old was previously involved in a family business and served as a councillor for the Iskandar Puteri City Council, where she tackled community issues and complaints.

       “People can claim that I am using my looks to gain votes, but no. While I appreciate compliments on my looks, I will not be using it to canvass for votes,” said the mother of three.

       The Pulai MCA Wanita chief, who joined politics about 18 years ago, added that she was humbled to be fielded as a candidate with her division and party leadership’s support.

       Though she is up against Johor DAP chairman Liew Chin Tong for the Perling seat, Tan wants to focus on her cause, which is to increase job opportunities for people in the area and make the neighbourhood a smart and safe place.

       For Sungai Balang state seat candidate Intan Nadira Shafika Mustafa Kamal @ Mohd Najib, one of her campaign objectives is to change the perception of young and women leaders.

       The 27-year-old from Parti Pejuang Tanah Air said: “Young women’s voices have often been sidelined as people generally think that women are weak. I aim to put forward the voices of youth, including women, to change such a perception.

       “They are also educated and their voices should be taken seriously in nation-building and policy making,” said the Johor Pejuang Pejuanita Muda chief.

       As for Sungai Balang, despite facing a four-cornered fight as a newbie, she aspires to bring more development locally for the small town to be on par with Muar town.

       “The telecommunication signals in Sungai Balang can be improved further as this will benefit those who need to work from home and engage in online learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said.

       Skudai state seat candidate Marina Ibrahim wants voters to evaluate her based on her performance and track record rather than on her looks.

       The 34-year-old DAP candidate said being fielded for the first time already comes with certain expectations to perform well and continue the incumbent assemblyman’s services.

       “I am not planning to let any pressure society has placed on female candidates, such as having to always look good without a hair out of place, get to me because I prefer that they look at my service for the community.

       “I do not fuss about how I look. Even when I have to be on live sessions during walkabouts where we tend to get sweaty and oily, I do not mind as it is not my priority in my campaign trail,” she said.

       She recalled that her mother loved helping people in her own way despite coming from a less privileged family.

       “This inspired me to enter politics in 2017 to help underprivileged children, women and senior citizens,” said the state DAP assistant publicity secretary.

       Another newcomer, Shazani A. Hamid, who is contesting in a four-cornered fight in the Semarang seat under the Perikatan Nasional ticket, hopes to bring more development so that more youths would remain in the area.

       ‘’Many from the younger generation are keen to relocate to other places, such as Ayer Hitam, for better prospects,” the 31-year-old said.

       ‘’There are less job opportunities here and the economic development is slower than other places.

       ‘’I wish to change this if I am given the mandate in this election,’’ she said, adding that it is time for a change as Semarang has been under the same leader for three terms.