TAPAH: MCA is intensifying its outreach efforts, particularly among Chinese voters, as the Ayer Kuning by-election campaign enters its fifth day, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Jeck Seng.
The MCA vice-president said the campaigning has been in full swing since nomination day.
He said the party machinery has been working tirelessly to engage with voters.
“We are not just campaigning today, but we have been working hard from the moment our candidate was nominated.
“The key is to reach every possible corner and connect with as many voters as we can. We want to ensure they understand the issues and come out to vote for our candidate,” he told reporters during a walkabout with Barisan Nasional candidate Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir at Kg Baru Pekan Getah near here Wednesday (April 16).
Wee said MCA and Barisan’s campaign teams are focusing on traditional methods, such as door-to-door visits and distributing pamphlets to reach out to grassroots and provide clear explanations about their candidate and platform.
“In places like Kg Baru Coldstream, we have seen a fairly positive response. But we cannot take anything lightly as every vote is crucial.
“We are continuing on our outreach, assigning local leaders to specific areas to ensure close contact with voters,” he added.
He also noted that the reception from Chinese voters has been generally warm.
“I think you saw for yourself — the locals are friendly, and many say they will support our candidate.
“But we must continue working hard. We are listening to voters and gathering feedback to refine our approach,” he said.
With nine days left in the campaign, Wee said MCA would continue its efforts with full commitment, calling it their responsibility to ensure the coalition’s success.
Some of the residents in the village said it was nice to see the candidate visiting them door-to-door.
Lee Ah Seong, 75, said the candidate seems friendly.
“This is my first time seeing him,” he said.
Another resident, Lee Yong Hong, 60, who grows lemongrass said this was his first time meeting the candidate as well.
“The candidate seems nice,” he said, adding that campaign workers from Perikatan Nasional had also made their rounds.
Chan Kim Lean, 63, echoed similar sentiments, saying it was her first time meeting the candidate face to face.
Mohamad Yusri is contesting the state seat against Perikatan Nasional’s Abd Muhaimin Malek and Parti Sosialis Malaysia deputy secretary-general KS Bawani.
The by-election was called after Umno incumbent Ishsam Shahruddin,58, died on Feb 22.
Polling is set for April 26 with early voting on April 22. In the 2022 general elections, Ishsam polled 9,088 votes to win by a majority of 2,213 votes.
