YONG PENG: MCA will remain practical and pragmatic in its campaigning amidst receiving positive feedback from the voters, says Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
The party secretary-general said with the people’s livelihoods becoming a major concern after more than two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, MCA knew the urgency to revive the economy through its candidates and their manifesto.
"After a week of campaigning, we will remain steady and pragmatic.
"We will go back to the basic issues and concerns faced by a majority of the rakyat - putting food on the table.
"We know that when the economy is not good, there is no point talking about other issues,” he said when met after campaigning for Yong Peng MCA candidate Ling Tian Soon on Friday night.
Citing the example of the increase in the price of oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) that has reached RM1,300 per tonne, Chong said the positive and improved situation was apparent among the many smallholders in Johor.
"This is a very different situation when the price dropped to about RM270 per tonne during Pakatan Harapan’s government when the smallholders suffered financially.
"This was also one of the reasons why we won during the Tanjung Piai by-election in November 2019 as the people were tired of instability,” he said.
Chong, who has been campaigning for all 15 MCA candidates in the state polls, said feedback showed a "very positive” ground sentiment among Chinese voters.
"In fact, we are touched by the people’s support and words of encouragement, which have been very different from the last general election.
"The people are warm and cordial towards MCA candidates this time. This is a very good sign,” he said, adding that the campaigning progress for all the party's candidates has been on track so far.
Chong also expressed hope that these positive signs would translate into votes for MCA.
"All MCA candidates, especially the new faces, have also drawn strength from the good vibes and become more aggressive in their daily campaigning.
"They have been off to a good start and are so eager to go out there and approach the people.
"That is why the president’s decision to field more young faces was a bold move to help rejuvenate the party,” he said.
Chong said he expected more mudslinging from the opposition in the remaining days as campaigning intensified before polling on March 12.
"Personal attacks, lies, defamation and others - this happens in every election,” he said, adding that all candidates have to be prepared to counter this.
