MCA to field new face in Balakong
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MCA will field a new face, businessman Tan Chee Teong, as its candidate in the Balakong by-election as the party seeks an overhaul after drastic losses in the 14th general election.
“Balakong is a fast-growing area; it needs an energetic assemblyman,” MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong said in introducing Tan at the party’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.
He said party veterans from Serdang would serve as advisers and mentors to Tan.
Tan had been a Serdang MCA committee member but currently holds no party post.
Balakong was part of the Serdang parliamentary seat, which was renamed Bangi in the redelineated boundaries used in the 14th general election this year.
The seat had been an MCA stronghold from 1995 to 2004 but since 2008, DAP has been winning the state seat with increasing majorities.
Wee, however, declined to reveal MCA’s campaign strategy and election targets.
He echoed MCA president Liow Tiong Lai in saying that it would be an uphill battle as the previous MCA candidate lost his deposit in GE14.
“It was a 35,000 majority. We have to be realistic,” Wee said.
Tan heads the Cheras Perdana residents’ association, is a voluntary coach for SMK Cheras Perdana’s basketball team and a member of the school’s parent-teacher association.
Better public transport and congestion in Balakong were among the issues Tan said he would address if voted in as a state legislator.
He said he would strive to raise the people’s woes to the state assembly as an opposition representative.
Married with three children, Tan was educated in Yu Hua primary and secondary vernacular schools and has a diploma from HELP University.
MCA will hit the campaign trail in Balakong from 2pm tomorrow, where Tan will be introduced to the party grassroots and locals.
Nomination is on Saturday and voters will go to the polls on September 8. – August 14, 2018.