The crowd listened with silent surprise. Khern was still for a moment and then continued.

"Dear friends, the others have done a lot of talking. Today, listen to me. I’m a candidate too. Who was it a little while ago who said he really knows us, really knows our poverty and troubles? Ask him. Brothers and sisters ask him. Does he know how much land we have? Does he know what we eat with our rice in the morning? Believe me, he doesn’t know. Empty talk. As for me, I’ll do anything you want. Kick a dog, knock someone’s head in. Anyone you don’t like, tell me. Er…uh." As his eyes lit on Sergeant Huat standing at the side, his voice became spirited. "What I just said…in fact I never did anything like that. I’ll end here. Amen. May you have long life, good looks and health, and the Triple Gems help me become a people’s representative."