Vandalism tears clean campaign in Balakong apart
BALAKONG: Accusations are flying about after around 100 MCA buntings and banners in Kampung Baru Kwan Tung were vandalised.
MCA candidate for the Balakong by-election, Tan Chee Teong, said 80% of his campaign material in the area was ruined.
“I really want to condemn the samseng (thuggish) culture. Enough is enough. Let’s compete properly and fairly.
“We can compare our policies and face each other politely,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.
Tan said he did not know who the culprits were but warned that he would lodge reports with the police, the Election Commission (EC) and electoral watchdog Bersih 2.0 if there were further similar incidences.
“We hope that Bersih can help because they monitor the electoral process,” he said.
Tan said voters were more recep- tive towards MCA compared to during GE14.
He estimated 20% support from the people on the ground while 80% still remained with the DAP.
At a separate press conference, DAP’s candidate Wong Siew Ki claimed that Tan blamed her party for the vandalism on his Facebook page.
“We compete fairly based on our principles and our manifesto. I am disappointed because I respected Tan as my opponent,” she said.
Pakatan’s Balakong by-election director Ean Yong Hian Wah said the allegations against the party were serious and they would lodge reports with the police and the EC.
Balakong, located in the newly-designated Bangi parliamentary
constituency, has over 62,000 voters, of which 65% are Chinese.
The seat was declared vacant after DAP assemblyman Eddie Ng was killed in an accident on July 20.
The by-election will be held on Sept 8.