Sg Bakap by-election: MCA to assist in campaign efforts, says Dr Wee

JOHOR BARU: MCA will assist in the campaigning efforts for the Sungai Bakap by-election, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

“However, how we are going to help has yet to be determined as arrangements are still being made,” the MCA president told a press conference after attending the Johor Barisan Nasional convention here on Saturday (June 8).

The Election Commission has set the Sungai Bakap state by-election polling day on July 6, while the nomination and early voting dates are set for June 22 and July 2, respectively.

The Sungai Bakap state assembly seat became vacant on May 24, following the death of its incumbent, Nor Zamri Latiff, 56.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, also Pakatan Harapan chairman, said the Pakatan candidate for the Sungai Bakap by-election will be unveiled next week.

Meanwhile, earlier in the convention, Dr Wee said Johor Barisan, under the leadership of Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, has helped the Chinese community greatly since he took the position two years ago.

He said the state government had given RM2.5mil to assist 10 Chinese independent high schools and RM1mil to Foon Yew High School for 2023 and 2024, adding that Southern University College also received RM3.5mil.

Dr Wee also said the state government approved the exemption of land premium and assessment rate worth RM539,170 for Chong Hwa High School and SJKC Yu Eng Jeram in Muar.

“For the annual Johor Baru Chingay parade, the state has allocated an amount of RM400,000 and another RM2.9mil to upgrade the staff rooms of 217 Chinese vernacular schools.

“The state has never neglected the needs of the Chinese community and the people’s welfare. The Barisan component parties will continue sitting together and discussing how to help the people,” he added.