MELAKA: Two ‘Lows’ are racing to reach a high in the urban Kota Laksamana seat in the upcoming state election.

       One of them, Benjamin Low Ching Hong of Barisan Nasional, is looking to break the so-called opposition fortress.

       For Ching Hong, the race to wrest the constituency from the incumbent, Low Chee Leong, is going to be tough but he is unfazed by the challenge, adding that he has been receiving positive feedback from the electorate.

       “I am looking at the positive side of things despite Kota Laksamana’s label as an opposition stronghold,” he said.

       Ching Hong, 41, said even though he is a new face, he has been part of MCA’s Crisis Relief Squad (CRSM) serving the electorate long before the Melaka election was called for on Nov 20.

       He noted that the electorate’s current sentiment is different from that of the 14th General Election.

       “Voters welcome me warmly wherever I go, a far cry from what Barisan candidates faced in the last election,” he said.

       Ching Hong added that he will work towards achieving Barisan’s election pledges if he wins.

       The other Low in the race, Chee Leong, 51, hopes to defend the seat for Pakatan Harapan but will not take the competition lightly.

       The state DAP committee member said he will never underestimate his opponent, who is making inroads into capturing the heart of voters in the constituency.

       “I still have to work hard and stay humble,” said Chee Leong, who is going for a second term for the seat.

       The two Lows will be facing Karen Fong Kai Ling of Perikatan Nasional in a three-cornered battle in the constituency of 28,777 voters.

       Chee Leong said the voters in the constituency are mature and will not be swayed by empty rhetoric.

       “Despite being the incumbent, I will not say I have the advantage,” he added.