MELAKA: Despite the concerns of a low voter turnout, MCA’s spirit and determination to win the elections remain high, says Datuk Lim Ban Hong. With most campaigning activities being ramped up in the last leg and winding down before midnight, he believes voters would show wisdom in making their choice tomorrow.
“Voters will not only gauge a candidate’s performance and capability based on the 12 days of campaigning alone but also his or her past service record on the ground.
“What a candidate has done previously will be a weighted consideration that can translate into votes as well,” he said yesterday.
Lim, who is contesting the Klebang seat, added that the unique state polls under the tight standard operating procedure had quickened candidates’ transformation to new media campaigning, while the people were also more accepting of the hybrid campaigning method.
He noted that all MCA candidates would soldier on in both physical and online campaigning, including ramping up efforts at certain identified places while adhering to the SOP.
“We will work hard and capture every possible vote to help us strengthen the people’s voice in Melaka. Let MCA do more for Melaka by having their representatives in the state legislative assembly,” he said.
For Kesidang candidate Leong Hui Ying, the first-timer said one of the biggest challenges during the campaigning period was trying to encourage people to come out and vote tomorrow.
“From the many responses my team and I gathered on the ground, many voters are unsure if their choice of leaders would honour their mandate and chose to ‘wait and see.’
“The election fever is not there due to previous incidents of party-hopping. Also, the threat of Covid-19 also deters the people from showing much concern to the state election.
“These factors will likely affect voter turnout,” she said, adding that she, however, remained unperturbed.
“Come what may, I will keep charging forward and do my best. This is because I know my focus and what I want to fight for the people, especially the youths in Kesidang,” said the 29-year-old, who is also the youngest candidate fielded by MCA.
Leong noted that the restrictions on physical campaigning had been a disadvantage for a newbie like her.
Although one of her videos went viral at the beginning of the campaigning and made more people notice her, she said she was not able to meet and greet many of the voters by only relying on social media campaigning.
Being a newbie, Leong added that she was thankful for her team’s support.
“We have covered all 10 polling streams in Kesidang and we have been making good progress. The final leg will see us ramping up engagement both on the ground and online.
“I do not want to simply make promises that I cannot deliver but I promise to give my best in Kesidang and I hope the people will give me a chance,” she said.