KUALA KRAI, MALAYSIA

Eat all you can for free?

It is not a gimmick but a service offered by a tycoon who grew up in Manik Urai but lost in three elections at the same constituency.

Datuk Wan Zaid Wan Abdullah, owner of Zaibi Motor Sdn Bhd in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, is sponsoring food and drinks to visitors and villagers until polling day on July 14.

The rustic stall, where the food is served, is located next to Masjid Samihah in Kampung Cabang Tiga Sungai Sok.

The stall has been operated by Cha Ha Awang and his family for the past five years. Since Monday, it has been frequented by many from morning till midnight. Previously, the stall was only open until 7pm.
The stall also gives away free copies of Berita Harian and Harian Metro.

As at any food stall, all you need to do is place your order and the food will be delivered to your table. The difference is, nothing comes out of your pocket. The bills will be settled by Wan Zaid, a well-liked "orang kampung".

"We don't care whether you are from Barisan Nasional or ore bule (Kelantanese dialect for orang bulan, or Pas supporters). Everyone is welcome to eat here," said Cha Ha.

He expected the number of customers to double in the next few days.

"I had to hire three more workers to help out. We have also ordered more beef and chicken to cater to the crowd. One of our specialties is gulai kawah."

Cha Ha said the two candidates in the Manik Urai by-election, Tuan Aziz Tuan Mat of BN and Mohd Fauzi Abdullah of Pas, also sometimes ate at the stall.

"We are all friends here," he said, referring to the BN and Pas supporters.