SEREMBAN: Being a former educator herself, it is not surprising that Felicia Wong (pic, 3rd from right) has put education at the top of her list for her 15th General Election (GE15) campaign.
The Barisan Nasional candidate for the Seremban parliamentary seat, is native of the city and currently one of five battling it out for the parliamentary seat here, said that education was her bread and butter during her time as a school principal, and that has helped her identify strengths and weaknesses of the system.
Speaking to The Star, the 43 year old stressed that character building is imperative for a better future for the country.
"There is a lack of character building in our system. While there are theory aspects I want students to have a more practical experience.
"The reading habit is also something that needs to be enhanced. In Singapore and Australia there are well planned libraries in community centres there and that helps cultivate the reading habit," she said.
Well stocked public libraries would also help reduce the financial burdens for parents, especially in more rural areas.
"Quality books cost around RM20 to RM30 each. Plus some parents would not know which books would be the most suitable for their children.
"If we have a good library in each of the districts it would surely benefit not just students but teachers as well who can use them as a resource. This is workable because it has been done overseas.
"Everybody deserves an equal opportunity to an education," she said.
Although she admitted to jitters after first receiving the news that she would be fielded in Seremban, the first time candidate was confident that she could deliver here.
"It was never in my career path. But through helping the party in the last elections I started to get more involved in politics.
"I know my opponent is very strong. Yes I am holding a small position in the party but I am born and bred here, and I can’t run away because this is where I stay.
"My position might be small but that just means I will have more time to look after the Seremban people right?" she said.
She added that while Seremban incumbent DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook is a tough challenge, change is in the air.
"The voters want to know what I can offer because there have been three terms for my opponent and there have not been huge developments.
"I have been questioned by voters, twice so far, but they are happy to accept me. I am confident and I will do my best to fight," she said.