Cally Ting is expected to go against PKR incumbent

IPOH: The contest for the Gopeng parliamentary seat is expected to see a young and vibrant face from MCA.

Talk has it that the Gopeng MCA vice-chairman Cally Ting (pic) is the most likely candidate that will be squaring off against incumbent Dr Lee Boon Chye of PKR.

The 32-year-old Ting has been active on the ground for the last four years, and is a rather familiar face to the folks who live there.

Lee was deputy health minister when Pakatan Harapan was in government.

There are three state seats under the constituency, namely Teja, Simpang Pulai, and Sungai Rapat.

Two PKR members, Sandrea Ng Shy Ching and Tan Kar Hing, are the assemblymen for Teja and Simpang Pulai, respectively.

Amanah’s Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, a former Perak mentri besar, is the Sungai Rapat assemblyman.

During GE14, Gopeng saw a three-cornered fight between PKR, MCA and PAS.

A source from MCA said speculation is that Dr Lee does not want to contest there, and instead wants Tan to take over.

However, the source said that while Tan is familiar with Simpang Pulai, he does not have a good rapport with the constituents in Teja and Sungai Rapat.

The source said with GE15 so close, Tan would not have the time to get all the support required.

“Dr Lee is a good doctor and cardiologist, but as a politician, he is not taking his job seriously.

“People have complained to MCA on the difficulties they face reaching the MP and the assemblymen.

“Even the service centre does not have full-time staff, and the operating hours are not consistent,” claimed the source, who added that the Gopeng health clinic also badly requires a new ambulance as the current 15-year-old vehicle is in the workshop most of the time.

“They (Pakatan Harapan) only harps on one thing – that Barisan Nasional leaders are penyamun (thieves) – but they are ignoring it their actual role, which is to help the constituents and bring development, ” added the source.

Meanwhile, a PKR source said Dr Lee, Ng, Tan, and Mohammad Nizar are staying put in their respective constituencies.

The source said they have the upper hand, especially in the parliamentary seat, given Dr Lee’s good track record.

“Dr Lee has been there for three terms, but for MCA, it is always someone new contesting.

“PKR is confident that the party will retain the parliamentary as well as the state seats,’’ the source added.