KANGAR: Siw Chun Eam, the Perlis Siamese Association, chairman, never fails to begin her day with a smile and a Sawaddee (good day in Thai) when meeting anyone she comes across. More so now, when she begins her daily rounds to meet the Malaysian-Thai voters in the Indera Kayangan state constituency.
"It's a good gesture to wish Sawaddee Krap (when meeting men) or Sawaddee Khah (when meeting women). It lightens up my day," she said.
Siw, 38, said the greeting was among the cultural traits that the Malaysian-Thai community still holds on to dearly.
"The Thai community is noted for its culture. While they uphold their cultural roots, they also have a strong attachment to the soil that feeds them," she said.
"We are always grateful to whoever helps us and it is in our culture to honour such people with respect," said Siw, who is also Padang Petani Umno branch chairman and Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim's special officer.
She said the Thai community here was very grateful to Barisan Nasional and would not desert the coalition.
Although the Malaysian-Thais, who are Umno members, only make up 43 voters or less than 1% of the 7,976 voters in Indera Kayangan, their support would be important in the event of a close fight.
She said has been visiting all the Malaysian-Thai voters on a personal basis daily. "They have pledged their support for Barisan," she added.
-- The Star, Thursday, January 17, 2002
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