YONG PENG: Tangible improvements in Yong Peng over the past two decades prove allegations that the town has been neglected in terms of development are baseless, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Speaking at a Johor MCA fundraising dinner to rebuild the MCA Yong Peng branch building, which was destroyed in a recent fire, Dr Wee said claims by some quarters that little had changed in Yong Peng over the years simply did not reflect the reality on the ground.
"Anyone returning to Yong Peng after 20 years would see the changes for themselves.
"Development is there for everyone to see, from education and infrastructure to tourism and community facilities," he said in his speech on Thursday (June 25).
Among the developments he highlighted were the construction of SJK(C) Yong Peng 2, major federal road upgrades, the beautification of the town, as well as the growth of businesses and banking services.
He also highlighted efforts to strengthen Yong Peng's cultural identity through festive decorations and celebrations, saying the town had become known for its vibrant Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival festivities that attract visitors from across the country.
Dr Wee also credited the Johor government under Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi for waiving RM455,000 in outstanding assessment tax owed by Foon Yew High School, while exempting the school from future annual assessment tax payments of about RM325,000.
Describing Onn Hafiz as an open-minded leader who does not govern along racial lines, Dr Wee said the Mentri Besar had consistently supported the needs of all communities.
Turning to Yong Peng assemblyman Ling Tian Soon, Dr Wee said the Johor health and environment committee chairman had earned the trust of voters through years of dedicated service rather than election promises.
He recalled how Ling suffered a 5,089-vote defeat in the 2018 general election but remained on the ground to serve residents throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
"When many people were afraid to leave their homes and PCR tests were difficult to obtain, he personally helped residents undergo testing, delivered eggs, vegetables and chickens to families in need, and made sure no one was left behind," he said.
Dr Wee said many residents who had not supported Ling previously later told him they would never forget those efforts.
"That is why he went from losing by 5,089 votes to winning by a 2,741-vote majority in the last state election.
"There are no shortcuts in politics. Every vote must be earned by genuinely touching the hearts of the people," he said.
Dr Wee also revealed that Onn Hafiz had repeatedly spoken highly of Ling and Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han, describing them as two of the state's best-performing executive councillors.
He said both leaders had become key members of the Johor administration despite being appointed to the state executive council at a relatively young age and would continue to play an important role in the state's future development.
Urging voters to give Ling another term in the July 11 state election, Dr Wee said the MCA leader had consistently updated residents on his work over the past four years instead of only appearing during election campaigns.
"A report card is something you present every semester. If someone only comes with one during an election, that's not a report card, that's a miracle card," he quipped.
The fundraising dinner raised a total of RM656,458.
Dr Wee said Ling's approach of regularly reporting his work to residents and community groups reflected his commitment to accountability throughout his term, rather than only during the election period.
