ENTREPRENEURS, RETIREES DOMINATE NEW FACES

259 out of 975 first-timers are in business

ENTREPRENEURS and businessmen are dominating the new candidates for the 14th General Election (GE14). Of the 2,333 candidates who will contest the 222 parliamentary seats and 505 state seats, 975 are new faces.

The newcomers include 259 businessmen; 175 retirees from government and private sectors; 110 politicians; 82 from the private sector; 56 government servants; 52 lawyers; and, 30 doctors.

There are also candidates from other professions, such as engineers (26), lecturers (17), teachers (13) and architects (four).

Among the new faces, Barisan Nasional introduced more than 300 candidates, who have a strong probability of winning their constituencies with their charisma and strengths.

In Selangor, BN has introduced 57 newcomers, where 14 will contest parliamentary seats and 43 for state seats.

Selangor has 22 parliamentary seats and 56 state seats.

Based on the numbers, entrepreneurs and businessmen make up the biggest number of candidates, which consist of 20 individuals, followed by engineers (six), lawyers (four), chief executive officers (four), as well as an architect and accountant.

There are also candidates who are lecturers, bank officers, teachers, government servants and politicians.

Several interesting new faces expected to win include BN candidate for Kuala Langat Shahril Sufian Hamdan, 33, who is Destini Oil Services Sdn Bhd chief executive officer.

MCA’s candidate for Seputeh, Chan Quin Er, 31, is among the new faces. He is Seputeh MCA deputy secretary and a former deputy public prosecutor.

Another young blood is the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation candidate for the Penampang parliamentary seat, Ceaser Mandela Malakun, 27.

In Penang, two doctors are fielded as new candidates. They are Dr Kiew Hen Chong, 50, who will contest the Jawi state seat, and Datuk Dr Shaik Hussein Mydin, 45, who will contest the Nibong Tebal parliamentary seat.

The opposition is also fielding more new faces.

Other than professionals, there are also candidates who worked as farmers, alternative therapy practitioners, activists, non-governmental organisation staff, lorry drivers, bloggers, students, as well as those who are self-employed.