Impressing independently Independent

Yee plans to run in GE14 but may do so under the auspices of a known party.

INDEPENDENT candidates have always been colourful and interesting characters, as witnessed in past general elections.

While some were viewed as spoilers or disgruntled politicians out to spite their respective political parties after being passed over as candidates, others enter the political fray purely to express their ideology.

Although the independent candidates in most cases are “one-and-done” types, a brave few do return for election after election to continue fighting for their ideals despite losing miserably at the polls every time.

While some have faded into obscurity and been forgotten, one or two have made an impression after stepping off the political stage.

Among those in the latter group is Billi Lim, a motivator and author of Dare To Fail.

Lim with his election banners when he contested in Bukit Bintang constituency.

The flamboyant bachelor, now 68, finally decided to throw in the towel after three failed attempts to make a mark in the last four general elections.

When Lim first announced his candidacy for the Bukit Bintang parliamentary seat in 1999, shortly after launching his book, everyone thought it was a publicity stunt.

But Lim returned to stand as an independent candidate in another two elections, which he lost, including his election deposit.

In 2013, despite announcing that he would run for the Kelana Jaya parliamentary seat, he failed to register himself on nomination day.

“No more elections for me. I do not think I will ever win it.

“I have learned my lesson. I am better off as a cryptocurrency investor,” said the author whose book has since seen the publication of its 13th edition.

Social activist Yee Poh Ping, who manages the Kepong Community Centre, is planning to stand in the Kepong parliamentary seat again.

He said he was likely to contest as an independent candidate but would “borrow Parti Rakyat Malaysia’s (PRM) banner” this time around.

Tan has decided not to contest this time around.

“I am in discussion with PRM over this. The party has made me an offer to contest under their banner but I am still working out the details to see if it is viable.”

He said it was difficult to stand as an independent candidate.

“It is tough if you are without a party. Voters are not willing to give you a chance. They normally vote for an established party.

“Therefore, I am considering this option as I have served the Kepong constituency for more than 10 years now.”

Yee left MCA in 2008 after he was not picked by the party to contest in the 12th general election. However, he did not contest that year.

In 2013, he stood as an independent candidate and contested the Kepong parliamentary seat. He lost to DAP veteran Tan Seng Giaw who obtained 47,837 votes or 82.3% of the total votes cast.

Businessman Allan Tan, who stood for the Pandan Indah parliamentary seat in the last elections, has decided not to contest this time around.

He said that he didn’t think himself fit to be a politician.

“This job is not for me,” said the former private secretary to former MCA president and Pandan Indah MP Tan Sri Ong Tee Keat.

“I prefer a slower pace of life now,” Tan added.

He tasted life as a politician when he campaigned in the previous general election for which he stood in his former boss’ constituency.

He found it to be a gruelling affair and concluded that he would not be a good politician.

“It is tough, more so if you are alone with no one helping you.”

Tan added that he gave much consideration to contesting in this elections but ultimately chose to spend time with family and build his business instead.