No regrets despite failure to retain Stampin, says Yong
KUCHING: Datuk Yong Khoon Seng has no regrets for standing as BN-SUPP candidate in Stampin after being persuaded to do so against his initial intention of retiring.
The former deputy works minister failed to defend the seat, losing to DAP greenhorn Julian Tan by 18,670 votes in the general election.
“There is no place for regrets once I made up my mind. It was my decision and I stuck with it,” said Yong to The Borneo Post yesterday.
He took up the challenge knowing full well that he was contesting against the tide and there was a high chance that he might lose.
“I knew the probability and consequence of contesting as SUPP candidate at its lowest ebb and that my reputation would be at stake if I lost.
“But compared to the needs of the Chinese community, my reputation has been of lesser importance,” said Yong.
A SUPP member for more than 30 years, Yong said he would continue to serve his party as long as the party needed him.
“Anytime the party needs me, I will be there for it. I will never give up on my party,” he stressed.
He also affirmed that he would stick to his initial plan of serving
I knew the probability and consequence of contesting as SUPP candidate at its lowest ebb and that my reputation would be at stake if I lost. But compared to the needs of the Chinese community, my reputation has been of lesser importance. Datuk Yong Khoon Seng, former Stampin MP
Kuching community through his involvement in charity works which he had intended to do before being persuaded to stand for the last time as SUPP candidate.
“You will still see me in Kuching. I am going to be involved in charity works to help those less fortunate and marginalised,” said Yong.
Although disappointed over the people’s choice, he accepted their decision gracefully.
“The people had given their verdict and I have to accept their decision. I am the type who can let go easily,” said Yong with a hearty laugh.
On how he felt being beaten by a much younger man, Yong said it was fine with him as all these were politics.
The five- term MP is popular among Chinese and non- Chinese communities because of his diligence and genuine attitude in serving them.
Hailing from Betong, this humble man declared his intention to retire two years prior to the 13th general election, saying he felt guilty towards his family for not spending sufficient time with them ever since his involvement in politics in 1982.
Deemed as the most winnable candidate for Stampin, he was persuaded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the Kuching Chinese community to contest for another term.