Ipoh Timur’s Khoo to face Abdul Aziz in Tebing Tinggi

IPOH: Ipoh Timur MCA division deputy chief Tony Khoo Boon Chuan, who is tipped to contest the Tebing Tinggi state seat, may face DAP’s constitutional law expert Dr Abdul Aziz Bari.

Tebing Tinggi incumbent, Ong Boon Piow of DAP, will contest the Bercham state seat.

Dr Abdul Aziz, 59, was among 18 candidates named to contest state seats by party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

During GE13, Ong defeated Khoo by a 5,887-vote majority. Tebing Tinggi is one of the state seats under the Ipoh Timur parliamentary constituency.

Khoo wondered why the incumbent had to “run” to another state seat after the redelineation exercise, which now sees the area having 57% Malay voters.

He said parachuting a Malay candidate would not guarantee DAP a win.

Khoo said an incumbent with a good track record will not abandon his area and voters.

“The Opposition is merely looking at a one-off chance of winning as many seats to become the ruling government, but Barisan Nasional focuses on long-term service and development of the area.

“The new candidate is not a local, and putting a constitutional law expert for a state seat does not make sense; the candidate should instead run for a parliamentary seat.

“State seats are more localised, where we need to provide services, look after the voters’ welfare, develop the area, and not talk about the Constitution,” he added.

Khoo said in Tebing Tinggi, there are voters who are underprivileged and senior citizens who require assistance.

“It is very important for a local to look into such needs, and for the elected representative to provide all the services required,” he said.

Dr Abdul Aziz said on Thursday night that the Malay voters are supportive of him contesting there and added the Chinese voters too look at the calibre of a candidate.

“There is a good chance of me winning the seat, and I will provide my very best for the constituents there,” he said.