JOHOR BARU: Barisan Nasional candidates need to be mentally prepared to face challenges that may come their way in the upcoming polls, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said that the 15th General Election (GE15) will be an intense battle with opposing parties expected to use all kinds of tactics to win.
“The battle will be intense in this election, and we cannot take it lightly. We need to be careful with whatever tactics used by our opponents.
“I believe this time around, they (opposing parties) will come out with all kinds of unexpected strategies. So, we need to be mentally prepared to face these challenges,” he said to the media after handing over RM1mil worth of donations from the state government to Foon Yew High School Masai here yesterday.
Dr Wee said that as the candidate for Ayer Hitam himself, he will also not let his guard down.
“I will do my job no matter who is coming (to contest). We cannot be too complacent and underestimate this election as anything can happen.
“Backed with the strength of our machinery and track record, we will work hard to ensure Ayer Hitam remains a Barisan seat,” he said.
He added that the increase in number of voters in all constituencies will also be a challenge for parties contesting.
“Many constituencies will even see an increase of 50%, and that is the norm in this election.
“This is a big challenge, but for Johor, we already have experience in wooing young voters in the recent state election,” he said.
MCA will be contesting in eight seats in Johor – Ayer Hitam, Bakri, Kluang, Iskandar Puteri, Kulai, Tebrau, Tanjung Piai, and Labis.
The party will be fielding two new faces in this election. They are party youth chief Datuk Nicole Wong Siaw Ting (Tebrau) and the party’s Public Services and Complaints Bureau deputy chief Chua Jian Boon (Kulai).
Wong said she that she is prepared to take on the challenge in Tebrau, which has the highest number of voters in Johor.
“Yes, it will be a big challenge, but we face challenges every day. I am prepared to face this, and I have also resigned as a senator to contest in Tebrau.
“I will use social media to reach out to as many people as I can. I hope the people of Tebrau will give me an opportunity to serve them for the next five years,” she said, adding that she also hopes to empower youths in the area.
Meanwhile, Labis candidate Datuk Chua Tee Yong, who was previously the MP for the area for two terms, hopes that voters will give him another chance to serve them.
“Although I was not Labis MP since 2018, I continued to serve the people there despite the limited capacity I had.
“During Covid-19, we helped to translate for local Chinese who were not well-versed in Bahasa Malaysia during their visits to get vaccinated.
“We have also handed out food and other aid to those in need during the pandemic. I have never left Labis, and will continue to serve the people there,” he said.