TAPAH: The Perak government, led by Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, is performing well and deserves the support of the people, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
The MCA deputy president stated that by voting for Barisan's candidate in the Ayer Kuning by-election, the people are also supporting the efforts and initiatives of the state government.
"I want to stress that it is very important for us to show support and mandate to the government under the leadership of Saarani.
"We know that he has done very well, introducing and implementing various projects like the Silver Valley Technology Park, Kerian Integrated Green Technology Park (Kigip) and Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC)," he said in a press conference during his visit to Kampung Baru Banir here on Sunday (April 20).
"I think the people need to show support to Saarani and his team so that they can carry on with the legacy of the late Ishsam (Shahruddin)," he added.
The Ayer Kuning by-election was called following the death of its incumbent Ishsam in February.
Polls are on April 26, while early voting is on April 22.
Barisan's Dr Mohamad Yusri Bakir is contesting against Perikatan Nasional's Abd Muhaimin Malek and KS Bawani of Parti Sosialis Malaysia for the state seat.
In the 2022 General Election, Ishsam polled 9,088 votes and won by a 2,213 majority, defeating Amanah's Mohd Nazri Hashim, Muhammad Noor Farid of PAS, Pejuang's Maziah Salim and Bawani.
When asked whether MCA members have encountered folk who are speaking about undi protes (protest vote) during their campaign trail, Dr Mah said there were some incidents.
“I would not deny that such reactions may be influenced by certain parties.
“I think it still constitutes a small portion,” said the MCA chairman.
"The larger challenge is still the turnout rate of the voters.
"Some families here have been informed that their children may not be able to come back or to vote, but we are trying our very best to persuade them," he added.
