Fong back for a third term as Bukit Bintang MP

A WAVE of applause rippled across thecoffee shops in the Imbi market whenFong Kui Lun, who was declared as theBukit Bintang MP for the third term, visited thearea to thank his voters for their support.

Fong from DAP beat his Barisan Nasional rival Datuk Dr Lee Chong Meng by a majority of 14,277 votes as compared to only 304 in the 2004 general election where he was against newcomer Tan Chew Mooi.

Thanks for your support: As this will be his last term, Fong says he will do his best.

Of the turnout of 39,811 voters, Fong secured 26,811 votes while Lee received 12,534.

Fong won in all 21 polling stations here with margins ranging from 148 at Jalan TAR and 2,412 at Jalan Hang Tuah.

A swing of Indian votes was also observed at predominantly Indian areas such as Brickfields Utara and Brickfields Selatan.

Fong gained a majority of 1,407 votes at the two stations, compared to winning by about 600 votes in 2004.

The voting rate also saw an encouraging increase from 60.86% to 67.4%. There were 466 spoilt votes, 329 of which were postal votes.

“Bukit Bintang is one of the most visible seats in the country, its voters are among the forerunners leading Malaysians towards a different wind of change, ” said the 62-year-old.

He thanked the Bukit Bintang voters for their support for DAP, noting that the people's power manifested itself in this general election.

“This is the people's choice,” said the DAP national treasurer who has been involved in politics for 40 years.

“I believe Barisan will make necessary adjustments and changes this time around based on voices of the people,” he said.

Following the opposition's encouraging victory in Kuala Lumpur, Fong said the DAP leaders would be looking at pushing for the revival of the local government election in the parliament.

“Kuala Lumpur needs an elected mayor,” he said.

As this will be his last term, the veteran politician pledged to give his best and also take the opportunity to groom a successor.