AN MCA Youth leader has urged the party to field a candidate in the forthcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election, saying the poll presents a unique opportunity for MCA to demonstrate its responsiveness to the needs of the people.
Petaling Jaya MCA Youth chief Andy Teoh Tuck Wah said the poll is a chance to reclaim the party’s position as a champion for the welfare of Malaysians, in particular the Chinese community as well as rectify past neglect and offer genuine representation to KKB constituents.
“KKB has historically been a stronghold for MCA until 2013, yet its absence in recent elections has left constituents without effective leadership,” Teoh said in a statement on Tuesday (April 2).
“By contesting in the by-election, MCA can reclaim its traditional fort and reestablish its commitment to serve the people of KKB.”
Teoh stressed that the upcoming KKB by-election highlights the urgent need for change, exposing neglect and the consequences of flawed decision-making.
He said despite MCA’s inclusion in the Madani government at both federal and Selangor state levels, the party remains sidelined from policy-making and representative appointments by the Selangor state government.
“By contesting in the KKB by-election, MCA can offer a credible alternative to both the conservative Perikatan Nasional (PN) and the DAP/Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, focusing on pragmatic solutions and responsible governance,” he reckoned.
“MCA (has been absent) in the previous six state election due to various reasons. This by-election offers an opportunity for MCA to reclaim its traditional kubu (fort) by providing a credible alternative that champions moderation, inclusivity, and effective governance. If not now, then when?”
Kuala Kubu Baharu, a Selangor state assembly seat, fell vacant with the death of DAP’s three-term assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong on March 21.
The constituency has a mixed electorate comprising 50% Malay voters, over 30% Chinese voters and 18% Indian voters.
It was previously reported that the Election Commission will meet on April 4 to discuss the by-election for the KKB state seat.
This is after it received an official notification from the Selangor state legislative assembly speaker, Lau Weng San, about the vacant seat following Lee’s passing.
The meeting, which would be chaired by EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh, would decide the important dates of the by-election. – April 2, 2024
Main pic credit: Bernama
