ISMAIL SAFIAN, Bukit Gantang BN candidate, at closer range again !

With intense heat by day and pouring rain by late afternoon, one will tend to miss this BN candidate on his round to meet the voters. Thus this brings us the question of how much do the rakyat know this BN candidate.

A local from Kampung Kubu,Bukit Gantang, Ismail Safian, 50, is the former information chief for the Umno Bukit Gantang division and a businessman by profession.

Labelled as a quiet and an attentive listerner-How much do you know him?



EDUCATION
Ijazah Sarjana Muda Sains (Kepujian ), UM (1980-1984)
Sek. Men. Sains Pulau Pinang Bukit Mertajam & USM Pulau Pinang( 1978 -1980)
Sek. Men. Dr. Burhanuddin, Taiping (1976 -1977)
Sek. Men. Tengku Menteri, Changkat Jering( 1973 -1975)
Sek. Keb. Dato` Panglima Bukit Gantang(1967-1972)

WORK EXPERIENCE
Practical Training , Works Department (1982) Larut, Matang & Selama, Taiping( Project Development Section)
Lembaga Kemajuan Wilayah Kedah ( KEDA )(1983) (Planning Division)
Zaman Food Industries, Taiping, Perak (1984 -1985) (Project manager)
Maktab Rendah Sains MARA, Taiping(1985 -1988) (Mathematics Teacher)
Majlis Daerah Kerian, Parit Buntar (1988 -1999) (Secretary)
Majlis Perbandaran Manjung, Seri Manjung 1999-2008)
Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Kangsar (May-August 2008)
Human Resources and Management Services Director (Sept.2008-now )
National Solid Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation

His candidacy was chosen after a series of discussions with divisional leaders as well as state leaders and assessment from various aspects.

There was also a pre-condition that Ismail will not contest in the next divisional elections.

In the divisional elections last year, Ismail lost to Trong assemblyman Datuk Rosli Husin in the contest for the post of Bukit Gantang Umno division chief.

The Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of incumbent member of Parliament, Roslan Shaharum of PAS, on Feb 9 due to a heart attack.

Ismail said the Malay community, comprising 63.5 per cent of the 55,562 voters, had realised that BN had a proven track record and would be able to continue with the national development agenda.

The Chinese, who account for 27.1 per cent of the electorate and Indians, who form about nine per cent, were also aware that BN could bring changes and progress to the area.

The battle between the two rivals goes back to the 1950s and had always revolved over Islam, Malay nationalism and secularism but this time there are major and unexpected twists sparked by the March 8, 2008 change in the political landscape.

LOOKING AT HIM AT CLOSER RANGE

Ismail Saffian, stopped by Y.C. Liew's house in Kuala Sepetang for nearly half an hour.

She spoke to him about her water problem. Ismail listened attentively.

He later wandered to the back of the house, walking on the plank floorboards, and listening to the sound of water in the house which sits on stilts on the river bed.

At the back of the house, rows of fishing boats lined his vision -- this is reality, this is Kuala Sepetang.But instead of turning away, Ismail appeared to study the situation.

"I am a local so I understand. This is not new, just surprising. I am aware of their problems, the fishing industry, diesel subsidies and land status. We will look into them," he promised.

For that matter,newly-elected Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin ALSO pledges to promote equality among the races, including in the distribution of the economic cake.

Whether you think you vote for the candidate or party , THINK HARD because a new township is been promised to the villagers in Kuala Sepetang if BN government is voted in.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT.