YONG PENG: Barisan Nasional candidate Ling Tian Soon continues to be a familiar face in this constituency because he chose to remain despite losing in the last general election.

       “I have been serving in the area since 2010 and I have always wanted to do more for the people here.

       “In this state election, I represent myself and my team in MCA with a vision to bring change and serve the people better,” said Ling when met after the nomination yesterday.

       In the previous general election, Ling lost to DAP’s Chew Peck Choo with a 5,089 majority.

       Chew recently announced her retirement from politics to focus on her family.

       Election Commission returning officer Nur Faiz Jamil announced yesterday that Yong Peng is all set to see a three-cornered fight between Barisan, Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan.

       Ling is standing against candidates Susan Yong from Gerakan in Perikatan and Alan Tee Boon Tsong from DAP in Pakatan.

       Ling, 38, who is the political secretary to Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, is also Johor MCA Youth chief and Ayer Hitam MCA division chief.

       The father of one said he would “stand firm and fight steadily” to win the people’s support, especially after the addition of many young voters.

       Meanwhile, Tee, 43, who is former Senai assemblyman, said he hopes all candidates will have a fair fight by prioritising the people.

       “I will start my campaign with a call urging Johor voters to come home to cast their votes,” he said.

       As for Yong, the 53-year-old is Gerakan’s Wanita deputy chief and Johor Gerakan Wanita chief.

       She is contesting for the first time in Yong Peng and has pledged to focus on caring for the underprivileged.