Ka Siong: Use polls to send signal to Pakatan

Loud cheers and drum banging from Barisan Nasional supporters greeted Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng when he arrived at the Pontian Umno headquarters after submitting his nomination papers.

The Barisan candidate, who will be facing five contenders for the Tanjung Piai seat, appeared cheerful and at ease with the crowd. He was seen taking wefies and shaking hands with those present at the headquarters, which is the Barisan command centre for the by-election.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the spirit of Barisan and its inclusiveness would help them face the challenges during the by-election.

“All voters, regardless of whether they are Malay, Chinese or Indian, are important.

“We will work hard to make sure we get the support,” he told reporters yesterday.

Ka Siong, who is Ayer Hitam MP, said voters should use the by-election to send a signal to the Pakatan Harapan government.

“It has been 18 months since Pakatan became the government and they have failed to fulfil any of their promises in their manifesto.

“They have failed to address the cost of living in the country as well as the decreasing prices of palm oil, which is affecting many of the rakyat,” he said.

Ka Siong said it was important to have a “wakil rakyat” who could provide checks and balances to ensure the government keeps its promises.

Johor Barisan chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad said that Jeck Seng’s candidacy ticked all the boxes in meeting the demand of voters here.

“I believe that among all the candidates contesting in the by-election, only Jeck Seng will get the full marks as he is a local with a good background and a proven track record.

“He is very popular with the local community,” he said, adding that the Barisan machinery would double its efforts to help him win the parliamentary seat.