A most welcome return

SUNGAI BESAR: The return of Chinese votes is a “true reflection” of what the community wants, says Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

The MCA president said Chinese voters who backed Barisan Nasional showed they valued a moderate government.

“Chinese voters have returned to Barisan, voting for moderation, for unity and also for Barisan’s spirit of consensus for the benefit of all races in the country,” Liow told The Star.

It is estimated that more than 35% of Chinese voters in the constituency gave their votes to Barisan’s candidate Budiman Mohd Zohdi, a 23 percentage-point increase from GE13.

Liow said this was because the Chinese were tired of the Opposition’s constant infighting and political rhetoric.

Although the development was positive, Liow pointed out that MCA still had a lot to do to strengthen Chinese support, especially among young voters for the coalition.

“There are some weaknesses in engaging younger voters. But we promise to work harder to engage them,” he said.

Asked if the results was a reflection of what Barisan could expect in the next general election, Liow said it would definitely be a good morale booster for the coalition ahead of GE14.

“It is a good start. From here, we will focus on getting and sustaining the momentum,” he said.

Liow thanked the Chinese community for having confidence in the party as well as Barisan.

He also congratulated Budiman and newly-elected Kuala Kangsar MP Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid over their wins.

In Kuala Kangsar, Barisan won big support in Chinese-majority Jerlun, beating Amanah, PAS and an independent candidate by a 153-vote margin.

In the GE13, PAS won the Jerlun polling district.

Perak MCA chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon thanked the voters for their support.

“It clearly shows that the Chinese voters are pragmatic and warming up to Barisan.

“This is a turning point. It is time for us to deliver on our pledges to the people here,” he said.

In Sekinchan, there was a significant swing of Chinese votes to the Barisan.

MCA Youth chief Senator Chong Sin Woon said more than 42% of 9,095 Chinese voted for the coalition.

“This is a very encouraging trend,” he said.

Chong, who was the by-election steering committee chairman for Sungai Besar, said that in all six polling district centres handled by MCA, the party received an average 35% support from the Chinese community.

“We have exceeded the 30% target,” he said, adding that in Bagan Sekinchan which MCA used to lose, it had the most numbers of return votes.