Independent candidates looking to stamp their mark

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Local boy Wong Seng Yee made sure he was dressed the part as he bid to become MP.

During the announcement of the candidates, the 40-year-old floriculturist, contesting as an independent, stood out in a pair of yellow rubber boots a la Phua Chu Kang and a straw hat.

If he succeeded, Wong would want to walk the talk – to have balanced and sustainable development for his beloved “home”.

It was what motivated him to throw his (straw) hat into the ring.

“I grew up here and I know what the highlands needs to be better.

“If elected, I will propose a sustainable agriculture, tourism and environment plan to the state government. There is much room for improvement,” he told reporters after the nominations at SMK Sultan Ahmad Shah here.

“There’s no point in blaming the old federal government. We need to move forward and push for a positive sustainable plan.

“I will also ensure the Pakatan government takes my suggestions seriously,” said Wong, who has been farming for about 10 years and is active in environmental NGOs.

Conceding he was the competition’s underdog, Wong said he did not mind being branded a spoiler.

“We need a third voice to represent the minority here. Farmers here have waited a long time for a local candidate,” he added.

His get-up, said Wong, reflected him as the voice of the farmers.

“I chose the hoe as my logo as it also represents farmers,” he said.

The other independent candidate, Sallehudin Ab Talib, said there were lots of unsolved issues plaguing the highlands, especially with Malay villagers, the Felda community and orang asli in Jelai.

The former lecturer of Institut Aminuddin Baki said he would emphasise education for the poor village folk to uplift their socioeconomic status.