TAPAH: The tradition of having elected representatives from Umno, MCA and MIC in a constituency needs to be preserved, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president stated that it was a unique situation to observe a constituency with multiracial representation.
"Based on our track record in Tapah, we are traditionally represented by Umno, MCA and MIC.
"This is a tradition in Tapah, which is very rare in the country, so we need to complete it," he said, adding that there were only nine of such constituencies.
Dr Wee, who is Ayer Hitam MP, had said this in his speech during a Mother's Day celebration in Kampung Baru Banir here on Sunday (April 20).
Also present were MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, vice president
Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, central committee members Datuk Koh Chin Han and Dr Monna Ong Siew Siew.
The Tapah federal constituency comprises two state constituencies: Ayer Kuning and Chenderiang.
MIC deputy president Datuk M. Saravanan is the Tapah MP, while MCA's Choong Shin Heng is the Chenderiang assemblyman.
The Ayer Kuning state seat became vacant following the passing of its incumbent, Ishsam Shahruddi,n in February.
The by-election is on April 26, while early voting is on April 22.
Barisan Nasional'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.
