KLUANG: Despite returning for the mooncake festival last week, outstation Chinese voters are still likely to travel home to vote in the Mahkota polls on Saturday (Sept 28), says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
The MCA deputy president expects a good turnout from Chinese voters, including those living far from Kluang.
"I appeal to voters, including outstation voters, to go out and cast their votes tomorrow (Sept 28).
"Some outstation voters have come back for the mooncake festival, but I believe they will come home again for this election," he said during a walkabout at a food court in Jalan Haji Manan.
Dr Mah said the sentiment among the Mahkota Chinese community has been positive, and he believes many will vote.
"There are rumours that Chinese voters will not turn up in full force tomorrow (Sept 28).
"I urge the people, especially the Chinese, not to listen to these noises and to focus on making their way to the polls," he said.
He added that Barisan Nasional candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah’s fluency in Mandarin has resonated with the Chinese community in Mahkota.
"His ability to speak Mandarin is a huge advantage and has been well received by the Chinese community," he said, adding that he believes Chinese voters will support Syed Hussien.
The Mahkota state seat became vacant when its assemblyman, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain from Umno, passed away on Aug 2, three days after she was hospitalised.
Sharifah Azizah won the seat in the March 2022 Johor state election by a 5,166-vote majority, beating candidates from Perikatan, Pakatan, and Parti Warisan.
Syed Hussien is in a straight contest against Perikatan candidate Mohamad Haizan Jaafar in the Mahkota by-election, with polling day set for tomorrow (Sept 28).
