MELAKA: Barisan Nasional’s chief minister candidate has urged Melaka voters to support MCA candidates, saying the state needs the input of Chinese representatives.
Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali said he had full confidence in the MCA candidates, saying they were a capable lot.
“We want a stable government, one that has diversity, unity and a spirit of goodwill. If we succeed, we must have Chinese representatives in the government that we are going to form.
“We need the voice of the Chinese community brought through MCA.
“I call on the Chinese community in Melaka to give support to all MCA candidates on polling day on Nov 20,” he told a press conference with MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. Also present were several of the party’s candidates.
Despite most of the party’s candidates being new faces, Sulaiman said the young leaders have what it takes to serve as they have been working on the ground.
“They have been serving the people well even when not in the government. I can see that these candidates are well received by the people,” he added.
Dr Wee said MCA was fielding a mix of candidates aged from 29 to 53.
“Although some of them are new, some have also been in politics for a while with a track record of serving the people.
“For example, we have (Ngwe Hee) Sem in Machap Jaya who has been with (former Machap assemblyman) Datuk Lai Meng Chong and (former Alor Gajah MP) Datuk Koh Nai Kwong for 15 years.
“He is the successor who is well received by the party division leadership because this is part of our succession plan to lift those who have served the party for long.
“For the younger generation, Leong (Hui Ying – Kesidang candidate), who is the youngest and a female candidate, is willing to serve Melakans.
“She aspires to bring the youths’ voices into the state assembly and we should give her a chance,” he added.
Dr Wee also lauded Ayer Keroh’s candidate Yong Fun Juan, who was an assistant at the state chief minister’s office, for his enthusiasm in serving the people.
“I have known him for over 30 years and he has been active since his student leader days,” he said.
As for Bemban candidate Datuk Koh Chin Han, Dr Wee said he was a capable leader with extensive experience as a local leader and senator.
“Let’s all support Koh who is Jasin-born and well-versed in three languages,” he added.
Dr Wee lauded Kota Laksamana candidate Benjamin Low and Banda Hilir candidate Lee Kah Sean’s courage in going up against heavyweight opponents.
“They are so enthusiastic to perform and give what they have for the Banda Hilir and Kota Laksamana constituencies,” he said.
Dr Wee also singled out Klebang’s Datuk Lim Ban Hong, saying he was still well-liked among the people even after losing in the last general election.
“His service has been so good that the locals, including Datuk Seri Sulaiman, also asked him to contest and recapture the Klebang seat. I call on all Melakans to give all MCA candidates a chance,” he said.