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2024 Nenggiri by-election
Which party is best on climate and nature?
Not sure who to vote for?
Every voice has the power to shape our future. The 2024 Nenggiri by-election (PRK) in Kelantan, which will be held on August 17, 2024, is a golden opportunity for the people of Kelantan to express their hopes, needs, and dreams for a better state.
Everyone will have different reasons for their voting choices. So to help you make an informed vote, we have compiled statements about Kelantan from the media and parliament to assist you in avoiding confusion, reducing political spin, and understanding the promises made by elected representatives . We hope you find it helpful, especially if you too think that our natural environment is a priority.
Here’s information on how to vote for climate
Parties’ & candidates statements
Here’s the translation to English:
Kelantan is facing several environmental crises that impact the lives of its people. Understanding the issues at hand is important for making informed decisions regarding political parties.
The Nenggiri by-election is the best opportunity we have to choose a Kelantan government that will work hard to address the climate and environmental crises that affect our livelihoods. Candidates must prioritise protecting the lives and health of the people from the impacts of climate change.
Check what both parties are saying in the news. And what are the other local issues need to be addressed in the state?
![](https://www.greenpeace.org/static/planet4-malaysia-stateless/2024/08/bbb6b812-screenshot-2024-08-11-121157-1024x646.png)
Perikatan Nasional (PN-Bersatu) Candidate
Candidate: Mohd Rizwadi Ismail
- Will focus on welfare and community development, whether in villages or cities. And will facilitate the process of state management and development as the state administration is controlled by PN.
- The issue of land for Kesedar settlers will be a focus for PN to break the BN monopoly concentrated in the resettlement areas.
- Prepared to fight for the rights of Orang Asli communities, issues related to the interests of the Indigenous people will be highlighted.
- Futsal courts alone are not enough to make sepak takraw the sport of choice for young people, with hopes that the youth in the Nenggiri constituency will play sports at a professional level.
![](https://vectorise.net/vectorworks/logos/Politik/download/Logo%20BN.png)
Barisan Nasional (BN-UMNO)
Candidate: Mohd Azmawi Fikri Addul Ghani
- Raised the issue of Kelantan’s failure to ensure water supply in all areas of the state.
- Among the issues that will be emphasised are aspects of developing the knowledge and skills within the community, the local economy, and housing for the younger generation. This includes agreements to continue physical developmental projects, such as the Nenggiri Hydroelectric Project and efforts to increase the income of the people through the Main Central Ring Road project.
- Kampung orang asli Kuala Lah reportedly often seeks assistance from the candidate in various urgent or emergency matters since before the by-election.
- Will strive to establish sports and recreational facilities that align with the preferences of the youth to alleviate stress or for ‘healing’.
Greenpeace Analysis
Vague promises, without statements on concrete actions
Side-by-side, the candidates’ statements seem to discuss similar issues, such as enhancing facilities for youth sports and developing Kelantan.
However, their statements are often general, merely window dressing, and lack concrete action plans or clear commitments to address specific issues, with each political party highlighting the mistakes of their opponents to cast doubt on their competitors.
Issues that candidates should focus on:
1. The rights of the Indigenous people of Kelantan
Moreover, the rhetoric of both candidates declares their support for protecting the rights and welfare of the Indigenous people in their by-election campaigns. However, their support for the Nenggiri Hydroelectric Project indicates otherwise. This project is seen as a significant threat to the livelihoods of approximately 1,200 Indigenous people from three villages. Genuine support requires more than just rhetoric; it requires action to effectively protect and advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples.
2. Flooding due to uncontrolled logging and deforestation
In Kelantan, logging is still occurring at an alarming rate. Forests that should be protected have been cleared and encroached upon for logging and commercial agricultural development. This uncontrolled logging has led to more frequent and severe flooding, impacting not only ecosystems but also water sources, food, and the sustainability of the people. However, flood mitigation is only proposed from other perspectives and does not align with the rhetoric in the media.
3. Rising cost of living
The water crisis in Kelantan also directly affects food security. The problem of declining agricultural yields and rising food prices adds to the burden of the cost of living, further exacerbated by climate change causing unpredictable weather, such as floods or droughts, which further affects food production. Additionally, the issue of river pollution and water sources in Kelantan due to uncontrolled logging and mining activities also has an impact. More comprehensive and immediate action is needed to address this crisis, including investment in better water infrastructure and measures to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector against climate change and pollution.
Why vote for climate
Voting is your right and your choice!
A vote for the climate is also a vote for lower bills, a vote for more sustainable jobs, and a vote for a better life.
Kelantan has been severely affected by the impacts of climate change over the past few years—severe flooding, droughts, and environmental degradation have impacted our communities and livelihoods. With people struggling and climate disasters worsening, there is much at stake this year and in the future.
By choosing leaders committed to green policy practices to protect the environment, we can drive the resilient change needed to combat climate change, protect natural ecosystems, and ensure a healthier and more resilient future for all.
Check out our Climate Checklist to evaluate what to look for in parties’ election promises.
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I Vote for Climate Posters
![](https://www.greenpeace.org/static/planet4-malaysia-stateless/2024/08/4f6ff56b-kelantan-election-2024-2-724x1024.png)
![](https://www.greenpeace.org/static/planet4-malaysia-stateless/2024/08/efdc0438-kelantan-election-2024-1-724x1024.png)
We’ve created a few posters for you to share.
Most people in Malaysia are worried about the environment, especially the natural disasters like flood and drought, and want our government to act on it. But for too long, many politicians have acted like voters don’t really care.
Sharing the posters on social media or hang in your car window help recruit climate voters and make them visible to politicians. It’s time to make sure the running candidates and parties in Kelantan listen to our demand: protect the environment and people over profit.
Got questions?
Here are some frequently asked questions with answers that might be able to help. You can also drop us a message on [email protected], and we’ll be happy to help.
The Kelantan election is critical for the environment because the elected government will influence policies on deforestation, water management, and developmental projects. Voting for candidates who prioritise environmental protection can help ensure the preservation of Kelantan’s natural resources and biodiversity.
Your vote can help elect leaders who prioritize sustainable development and environmental protection. By voting for candidates committed to these issues, you can contribute to long-term positive changes in Kelantan’s environmental policies and practices.
While Greenpeace Malaysia does not endorse specific candidates, we encourage voters to research party manifestos and candidates’ past actions regarding environmental conservation, anti-logging policies, and developmental initiatives.
No, Greenpeace Malaysia is an independent, non-governmental organization. We are not associated with the government or any political party. Our goal is to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage voters to consider these issues when making their decisions at the polls.
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Together we are part of a growing, global movement determined to bring about the changes our planet desperately needs.