NIBONG TEBAL: Datuk R. Ramanan expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he received from the Chinese community during a programme with the MCA machinery for the Sungai Bakap state by-election on Friday (June 28).
In a Facebook post Saturday (June 29), the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy information chief 1 said he received an invitation from MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong to join him and the MCA machinery in meeting Chinese voters in Sungai Bakap, including from Kampung Wellesley, Sungai Jawi, and Kampung Kepala Gajah, Taman Puteri Gunung.
"While having casual conversations with the residents there, we also discussed various issues. I was very touched by the hospitality given. This is the strength and advantage within the unity government, encompassing various parties.
"This is the political spirit that should exist in the unity government. We work together. The unity government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim always prioritises the empowerment agenda for all races in this country in line with the Malaysia Madani vision," he said.
He was also accompanied by MCA vice-chairman and Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng as well as the unity machinery for the Sungai Bakap by-election.
Ramanan, who is also Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, praised the women in Taman Puteri Gunung who creatively collaborated to produce craft items such as handbags, paper flowers, and decorative materials, which they sold to generate income.
"The residents there, especially the women, are truly impressive and creative. They work together in a communal way and sell their crafts to earn an income. This is the entrepreneurial spirit that should be emulated and praised," he said.
Before concluding his visit, he expressed his gratitude to Dr Wee for giving him the opportunity to engage with Chinese voters in Sungai Bakap.
"Thank you also to the MCA machinery in Sungai Bakap. Datuk Seri Dr Wee also informed me of several issues concerning the residents there, and I promise to bring them to the attention of the Prime Minister. Thank you, MCA," he said.
The by-election on July 6 is a straight fight between Pakatan Harapan’s Dr Joohari Ariffin and Perikatan Nasional candidate Abidin Ismail.
The seat fell vacant following the death of its assemblyman, Nor Zamri Latiff of PAS, on May 24 due to stomach inflammation. - Bernama
