Anywhere is just fine for DAP’s Chow

RAUB: Despite an unexpected and last-minute switch to contest a neighbouring state seat, DAP’s Chow Yu Hui seems to be taking it in his stride.

The incumbent assemblyman for Bilut, one of the state seats in Bentong, will now stand in Tras, a seat which the party won in the last two general elections.

Chow, 35, is taking over from two-term representative Choong Siew Onn, who has decided not to seek re-election.

“It was the decision of the party to move me out after consultations with all stakeholders.

“We have served Tras voters well and hence, there’s no issue in this polls,” said Chow, who is still single.

On April 8, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng named Chow for Tras and incumbent Mentakab assemblyman Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji to defend Raub.

They are expected to face off with Raub MCA public service and complaints head Ng Leap Pong and MCA vice-president Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun respectively, come May 9. A three-cornered fight is on the cards as PAS will be joining the fray.

In an interview, Chow said he had not met Ng before this but was ready to face any candidate from any party.

“Every battle starts with 50-50 but certainly, Barisan Nasional has an edge with more resources at its disposal.

“I would also like to thank Bilut voters for their support over the past few years,” he said.

A graduate of media studies from Universiti Malaya, Chow joined DAP in 2007 before moving up the party ranks.

Presently, he is Pahang DAP publicity secretary.

He was first nominated to contest a seat in 2013, which he won.

On his campaign, Chow said several former university mates would be assisting him in his new turf and that Choong would also be relied upon to help in wooing voters here.

Chow said mining activities in Bukit Koman were no longer a hot issue, so he would highlight water problems affecting residents.

“Raub voters are intelligent. They know the importance of a two-party system and will continue to support the right cause,” he said.

As for Ng, 52, he is no pushover despite being a political newbie.

Having studied in UPM, the businessman has home ground advantage. Born and raised in Kampung Sempalit here, which is famed for its groundnuts, Ng has been working hard on the ground for more than two years.

He has helped many residents resolve numerous problems with the support of Chew when she was still a deputy minister.

“If fielded, I will take up the challenge to wrest back the seat from DAP.

“The people need a local boy to bring up bread-and-butter issues and represent them,” said the father of three.

Ng said during his rounds to meet the people, he found them more receptive to MCA now, especially villagers in Sungai Ruan and Kampung Sempalit.

He said many came out to join events organised by the party such as health talks, check-ups and other community programmes.

“It is a very good sign and I can sense them opening up to talk to us, wanting us to do more for them,” he said.

Based on the feedback, Ng said Bilut voters were not happy with their assemblyman.

Ng also added that he was in the midst of putting in place several plans to benefit Bukit Koman residents and win them over.

“I hope Tras voters can give me a chance to serve them for the next five years to see the difference,” Ng added.

Based on the latest electoral roll, Tras has 28,995 voters, comprising 65.13% Chinese, 25.77% Malays, 8.95% Indians and 0.14% others.

It is the largest state seat with Chinese majority in the east coast.

The other two state seats are Dong and Batu Talam, contested by Umno.